Variable Valve Train Common Pivoting Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable valve trains for internal combustion engines lack a reliable and efficient control system that allows for coordinated and uniform adjustment of valve lift, leading to inefficiencies, particularly at high engine speeds.
Innovation Solution
A variable valve drive system featuring a first and second actuation system with pivot frames and a common swivel drive actuated by a servomotor, allowing joint swiveling of the frames for coordinated adjustment, which is simple, cost-effective, and space-saving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuators are used for each valve actuation system, then each valve can be adjusted independently, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation systems into a single integrated actuator that can control multiple pivoting frames. The actuator includes a common drive mechanism with coupling elements that allow synchronized or independent adjustment of multiple valves, reducing component count while maintaining adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with universal functionality to control multiple valve actuation systems. It includes a common drive shaft with multiple coupling points and control mechanisms that can independently adjust each pivoting frame while being operated from a single actuation source.
2Device complexity
If a common actuator is used for multiple pivoting frames, then component count is reduced, but the ability to independently adjust each valve is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The common actuator is segmented into multiple independent control sections, each capable of controlling a specific pivoting frame. The actuator includes separable coupling elements and independent transmission paths that allow each valve to be adjusted separately while using a single actuation source.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that can switch between synchronized operation mode (for coordinated adjustment) and independent operation mode (for individual valve adjustment). The coupling elements can be dynamically engaged or disengaged to change the control configuration.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate actuators are used for each valve, then independent control is achieved, but the device becomes more expensive and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuation functions are merged into a single compact actuator assembly. The design integrates multiple drive mechanisms, transmission elements, and control components into one unified structure that occupies less space and costs less than multiple separate actuators while maintaining independent control capability.
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 solution provides reliable and efficient control of the internal combustion engine, ensuring uniform valve lift adjustment and improved performance, especially at high engine speeds, while reducing component count and ensuring stability.
Implementation Method 1
the pivoting actuator comprises a servo motor and two shaft ends
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a variable valve train (2) comprising: a first actuating system having a first valve-actuating gearing (4-1) for actuating a first valve (70-1) and having a first pivoting frame (80-1) mounted for pivoting about a first pivot axis (24-1); a second actuating system having a second valve-actuating gearing (4-2) for actuating a second valve (70-2) and having a second pivoting frame (80-2) mounted for pivoting about a second pivot axis (24-2), wherein a valve stroke for the first valve (70-1) and a valve stroke for the second valve (70-2) are adjusted by pivoting the first pivoting frame and the second pivoting frame (80-2), respectively; and a pivoting drive (90) for the common pivoting of the first and second pivoting frames (80-1, 80-2), having a pivoting actuator (92). The pivoting actuator (92) has a servomotor (91) and two shaft ends (99-1, 99-2) on opposite sides of the servomotor (91), wherein the first of the two shaft ends (99-1) is coupled to the first pivoting frame (80-1) for pivoting and the second of the two shaft ends (99-2) is coupled to the second pivoting frame (80-2) for pivoting.