Valve Timing Vane Chamfer Reduces Contact Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve timing control apparatuses face reliability issues due to high contact pressure on the axial end surfaces of the vane rotor, leading to potential damage and abnormal operation, especially under temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of first and second chamfer parts on the axial end surfaces of the vane rotor, which reduce contact pressure and enhance sealing properties by designating specific radial and axial distances for the chamfered areas, preventing damage and improving operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat axial end surface design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but high contact pressure causes damage to the axial end surface and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a chamfer structure locally at the radial outer side of the axial end surface, while the rest of the surface remains flat. This localized modification reduces contact pressure at the critical area where damage occurs, without changing the overall simple flat structure, thus improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Reliability
If the radial outer side of the axial end surface is chamfered, then contact pressure is reduced and reliability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the axial end surface by introducing a chamfer with specific dimensions (radial distance r1 and axial distance r2). This parameter change redistributes the contact pressure, reducing it at the radial outer side, thereby improving operational reliability while the chamfer can be manufactured using standard machining operations
Data Source
AI summary
A valve timing control apparatus includes: a rear plate; a housing fixed to the rear plate; and a vane rotor which is able to rotate relative to the housing. The vane rotor includes a rotor and a vane extending from the rotor outward in a radial direction to divide an oil pressure chamber of the housing into an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The vane has an axial end surface adjacent to the rear plate and a radially outer surface. A first chamfer part is defined at a connection between the axial end surface and the radially outer surface of the vane so as to reduce a surface pressure applied from the rear plate to the vane.