Variable Valve Drive Mechanism for Engine Load Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combustion engine valvetrains face limitations in adjusting valve lift and duration optimally across different load regimes, leading to issues such as increased space requirements, weight, susceptibility to wear, and limited variability in valve control.
Innovation Solution
A valvetrain design featuring a rotatable first driving member, a connecting rod with joints, and a guiding member, allowing adjustable position of the first rotation axis, which transforms rotational movement into lifting movement for valve actuation, reducing unwanted pivoting and wear, and enabling adjustable valve lift and duration through a pushing member and transmission member with a spring bias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed lift height valvetrain is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different load regimes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable valve lift and duration control by making the valvetrain dynamic rather than fixed. The camshaft can be positioned at different angular positions relative to the crankshaft, and the valve lift can be varied continuously, allowing the system to adapt to different load regimes and rotational speeds optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the valvetrain including valve lift height, valve duration, and camshaft timing angle. These parameters can be adjusted independently to optimize engine performance across different operating conditions, transforming the fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable valve lift mechanisms are added, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camshaft serve multiple functions: it not only provides the lifting motion for the valves but also controls the timing and duration of valve opening through its adjustable angular position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for timing control and lift control, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If valve lift and duration are made variable, then engine efficiency improves, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timing control function and the lift control function into a single integrated camshaft mechanism. By adjusting the angular position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft, both the timing and the lift duration are controlled simultaneously, rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
4Reliability
If traditional camshaft designs are used, then the structure is compact, but wear susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional direct mechanical contact valve actuation with a more sophisticated camshaft mechanism that uses roller followers and adjustable timing. This substitution reduces sliding friction and wear by introducing rolling contact elements and optimizing the contact geometry between cam and follower.
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 design enhances motor performance, reduces wear, and provides improved adjustability of valve lift and duration, allowing for better adaptation to varying engine loads, thereby optimizing engine efficiency and power output.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission member in mechanical contact with the pushing member, wherein the transmission member is biased by a spring towards the valve
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine comprising a valve drive which is arranged in the region of the cylinder head and is used to actuate a valve. Said internal combustion engine comprises a first drive means that can be rotated about a first rotational axis, a connecting rod that is connected to the first drive means in an articulated manner by means of a first connecting rod articulation, and a guiding element which is used to guide the connecting rod, can be pivoted about a guiding axis, and is connected to a second articulation of the connecting rod in an articulated manner. The position of the first rotational axis can be modified in relation to the cylinder head.