Variable Valve Timing via Hydraulic Plunger Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable valve timing apparatuses are complex and bulky due to the need for mechanical systems like cam phase varying mechanisms, which limit the ability to adjust valve timing during engine operation and complicate the cylinder head configuration.
Innovation Solution
A variable valve timing apparatus that controls the timing of intake and exhaust valves through oil circulation using upward and downward movements of upper and lower plungers, with an actuator housing, oil chamber, and communicating passages to adjust oil flow and plunger speeds, allowing for flexible control of valve opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cam phase varying mechanism is mounted on the camshaft to vary valve timing, then the timing of valve opening and closing can be adjusted, but the configuration becomes very complicated and the size of the cylinder head becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical cam phase varying mechanism with a hydraulic system. A plunger moves within a cylinder, and oil pressure controls the timing of valve opening and closing. This hydraulic substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components like helical gears, torsional splines, or vane mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining valve timing adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where oil pressure is used to control the movement of the plunger, which in turn controls the valve timing. The hydraulic fluid transmits force to advance or retard the cam phase, providing a compact and efficient means of adjusting valve timing without the bulk and complexity of mechanical transmission systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a valve lift mechanism is changed to vary opening keeping time or timing, then valve timing can be adjusted, but the configuration becomes very complicated and the volume of the cylinder head becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex valve lift mechanisms with a hydraulic plunger system. The plunger's movement, controlled by oil pressure, directly adjusts the valve timing and opening duration. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical linkage systems, thereby reducing the overall volume of the cylinder head while providing flexible timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls valve timing by changing the pressure parameters of the hydraulic fluid. By adjusting oil pressure levels and flow rates, the system varies the plunger's movement characteristics, thereby controlling the timing and duration of valve opening without requiring changes to the physical dimensions or volume of the cylinder head components.
3Device complexity
If fixed mechanical valve timing is used, then the configuration is simple, but the timing of valve opening and closing cannot be varied during engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic hydraulic control system that allows valve timing to be adjusted during engine operation. The plunger position and oil pressure can be varied in real-time based on engine conditions, enabling the system to adapt valve timing to different operating speeds and loads while maintaining a relatively simple overall configuration compared to mechanical variable timing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic fluid pressure to dynamically control the plunger position, which in turn adjusts the valve timing during engine operation. This hydraulic mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to achieve variable timing without the complexity of mechanical systems, as the oil pressure can be easily controlled and adjusted based on real-time engine conditions.
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 solution simplifies the engine design, improves efficiency and output by allowing precise control of valve timing, reduces environmental contamination, and enhances design flexibility by minimizing smoke generation and optimizing engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
an oil chamber which allows oil to be circulated upwardly and downwardly or allows the flow of oil to be blocked through a head formed on the top end periphery of the upper plunger in accordance with the upward and downward movements of the upper plunger
Implementation Method 2
a communicating passage portion which allows the upper and lower end portions of the oil chamber to communicate with each other in accordance with the upward and downward movements of the lower plunger and to adjust the flow of oil flowing thereon to control the speeds of the upward and downward movements of the upper plunger
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a variable valve timing apparatus including: an actuator housing having a given space portion at the inside thereof; an upper plunger insertedly mounted inside the upper portion of the actuator housing in such a manner as to move upward and downward; a lower plunger insertedly mounted inside the lower portion of the actuator housing in such a manner as to allow the upper plunger to move upward and downward; an oil chamber formed to allow oil to be circulated upwardly and downwardly or to allow the flow of oil to be blocked through a head formed on the top end periphery of the upper plunger in accordance with the upward and downward movements of the upper plunger; and a communicating passage portion adapted to allow the upper and lower end portions of the oil chamber to communicate with each other in accordance with the upward and downward movements of the lower plunger and to adjust the flow of oil flowing thereon to control the speeds of the upward and downward movements of the upper plunger.