Variable Intake Valve Actuation Sub-units for Modular Engine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing system for variable actuation of intake valves in internal combustion engines is complex and difficult to maintain, as the preassembled unit is integrated into a single 'brick' that is hard to disassemble and repair, especially when a single solenoid valve fails.
Innovation Solution
The system is subdivided into independent sub-units, each with its own support body mounted on the cylinder head, allowing for easier maintenance by isolating faulty solenoid valves within their respective 'bricks' with an auxiliary locking plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the preassembled unit for variable actuation of intake valves is integrated into a single brick, then the system structure is compact and complete, but the maintenance difficulty increases and repair operations become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the preassembled unit into multiple independent sub-units (first sub-unit, second sub-unit, etc.), each corresponding to a specific cylinder and containing its own solenoid valve assembly. This segmentation allows individual sub-units to be removed and replaced independently during maintenance, transforming a complex integrated repair operation into simple modular replacements.
2Device complexity
If the preassembled unit is integrated into a single brick, then the system is compact, but the time required for maintenance operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the unit into independent sub-units mounted on the cylinder head, the patent enables parallel maintenance operations. Multiple sub-units can be serviced simultaneously or in rapid succession, dramatically reducing total maintenance time compared to disassembling and servicing a single integrated brick.
3Device complexity
If the preassembled unit is integrated into a single brick, then the system structure is unified, but the cost of maintenance operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular sub-unit design allows selective replacement of only the faulty solenoid valve assembly rather than the entire integrated unit. This reduces maintenance costs by minimizing part replacement scope and enabling reuse of functional sub-units across different cylinders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs sub-units that can be interchangeably installed on different cylinders (e.g., first sub-unit on first cylinder, second sub-unit on second cylinder). This universality allows a single replaced sub-unit to serve multiple cylinder positions, reducing the number of spare parts needed and lowering overall maintenance inventory costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This modular design simplifies maintenance operations by enabling the removal and replacement of individual solenoid valve bricks, reducing maintenance costs and time, and ensuring system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
each intake valve is controlled by the respective tappet, against the action of the aforementioned return spring means, by interposing hydraulic means including a pressurised fluid chamber and a hydraulic actuator associated to each intake valve
Implementation Method 2
at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve each provided with respective return spring means which push the valve towards a closed position
Implementation Method 3
said pressurised fluid chamber being adapted to be connected by means of a solenoid valve with an exhaust channel
Implementation Method 4
said hydraulic actuator further being provided with hydraulic braking means for slowing the final phase of the travel for closing the intake valve controlled thereby
Data Source
AI summary
An engine comprises a system for variable actuation of the intake valves and is subdivided into a plurality of sub-systems independent with respect to each other, carried by a plurality of respective elements, each mounted on the cylinder head at a respective engine cylinder. Among other things, this considerably facilitates the system maintenance operations.