Variable Valve Mechanism Tilting Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable valve mechanisms for internal combustion engines face issues with tilting of the input member relative to the output member, leading to cocking and inefficient displacement of the slider, which affects the valve lift amount and operational symmetry.
Innovation Solution
A variable valve mechanism with a single output member featuring internal cutouts at two positions to restrict relative displacement and prevent tilting, allowing smooth slider movement by engaging the input member with the cutouts, reducing the number of parts and maintaining consistent valve lift between driven valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If two output members are provided on both sides of the input member, then the structure is symmetric and prevents tilting, but the number of parts increases and valve lift may vary between valves
Solution Approach 1:
The single output member is segmented with two cutouts that engage with the input member at two different positions, creating a multi-point connection that provides symmetry and prevents tilting without requiring two separate output members
Solution Approach 2:
The input member is nested within the output member, with the input member extending through the internal space of the output member and engaging with the cutouts at multiple positions, creating a compact integrated structure
2Device complexity
If a single output member is provided on one side, then the number of parts is reduced, but the structure becomes asymmetric causing tilting and cocking of the slider
Solution Approach 1:
The single output member is extended in the thrust direction with cutouts at multiple positions, adding dimensional complexity to a single component to achieve the stability and symmetry that would otherwise require multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The cutouts act as intermediary engagement points between the input member and output member, providing multiple contact points that distribute forces and prevent tilting while maintaining a single output member structure
3Volume of moving object
If the input member tubular portion is made small to fit in the region inward of the connecting portion, then the structure is compact, but the input member becomes more likely to tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between input and output members is segmented into multiple cutout positions, distributing the stabilizing function across multiple points rather than relying on a single large tubular portion
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of the input member tubular portion and the output member with cutouts creates a composite structural system where the overall stability exceeds what either component could provide individually
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a variable valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine, which includes an input member, an output member, a slider and a variable device. The output member has internal space formed therein and has a first cutout and a second cutout which are formed at two positions separated from each other in the swing direction so as to extend from an outer periphery of the output member to the internal space, and the input member is mounted in the internal space so as to extend through both inner sides of the first and second cutouts, and is brought into contact with inner side surfaces of the cutouts from both sides in the thrust direction, whereby relative displacement of the input member together with the slider in the thrust direction with respect to the output member is restricted at two positions by the first and second cutouts.