Variable Valve Duration Apparatus Reducing Engine Noise

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine valve systems face challenges in optimally varying valve opening duration based on engine operation conditions, leading to noise and vibration issues, and require complex constructions that increase production costs and reduce productivity.

Innovation Solution

A continuously variable valve opening duration apparatus with a simplified design, featuring a control shaft, worm wheel, and guide brackets that allow for adjustable valve opening duration, reduced size, and easy assembly, incorporating a wheel elastic portion to mitigate production errors and enhance noise and vibration reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) apparatus is used to change valve timing, then valve timing optimization is achieved, but the valve opening duration remains fixed and noise and vibration reduction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve timing optimizationVSAvoidnoise and vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous variability in both valve timing and valve opening duration. The valve duration control mechanism dynamically adjusts the opening duration by varying the rotational speed ratio between the camshaft and cam unit, allowing the system to adapt to different engine operating conditions and effectively reduce noise and vibration across various regimes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the key parameter of valve opening duration by controlling the rotational speed ratio between the camshaft and cam unit. By varying this speed ratio continuously, the system can optimize both valve timing and opening duration, achieving better noise and vibration reduction compared to fixed-duration systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a complex construction is used to achieve continuous variable valve duration, then precise control is achieved, but production costs increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve duration control precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the valve timing control and valve duration control functions into a single integrated mechanism. The cam unit simultaneously controls both the timing and duration of valve opening by its rotational position and speed ratio relative to the camshaft, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam unit serves multiple functions: it controls valve timing, valve opening duration, and adapts to different engine operating conditions all through a single mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple separate mechanisms are used for valve timing and duration control, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve control precisionVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines valve timing control and valve duration control into a single cam unit mechanism. The rotational position of the cam unit controls timing, while the rotational speed ratio controls duration, allowing both functions to be achieved through one integrated component rather than multiple separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam unit is designed as a universal component that performs multiple control functions simultaneously - adjusting valve timing and valve opening duration based on engine operating conditions. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while maintaining precise control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The apparatus effectively varies valve opening duration according to engine conditions, reducing noise and vibration, enhancing productivity by simplifying construction and reducing production costs, while being easily applicable to existing engines.

Implementation Method 1

a worm wheel (50) mounted on the first guide bracket and the second guide bracket (120, 130) respectively to engage the wheel housing (90)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a wheel elastic portion to mitigate production errors and enhance noise and vibration reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3936704B1Continuous variable valve duration apparatus and engine provided with the same
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3936704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936704B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936704B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A continuously variable valve duration apparatus may include a camshaft, a cam unit on which a cam is formed, wherein the camshaft is inserted into the cam unit, first and second guide brackets into which the camshaft is inserted, a wheel housing movably mounted to the first guide bracket and the second guide bracket, respectively, an internal wheel rotatably provided on each wheel housing and transmitting rotation of the camshaft to the cam unit, a worm wheel mounted on the first guide bracket and the second guide bracket, respectively to engage the wheel housing, a control shaft which is rotatably mounted on the first guide bracket and the second guide bracket, and engages with the each worm wheel to move the position of the wheel housing according to its rotation, and a connecting member that connects the first guide bracket and the second guide bracket.