Variable Valvetrain Lubricant Supply System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valvetrains face challenges in achieving low friction and efficient lubrication, which are crucial for high-performance internal combustion engines, especially at high engine speeds.
Innovation Solution
A valvetrain design with an intermittent lubricant supply system that provides reliable lubrication to the valve crank bearing without additional elements, using a lubricant outlet connected to the support body, ensuring mechanical simplicity, durability, and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining efficient lubrication pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lubrication system is used in existing valvetrains, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the lubrication efficiency is insufficient and friction is high
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant outlet channel is integrated directly into the support body, merging the lubrication function with the structural component. This eliminates the need for separate lubrication system elements while ensuring reliable lubricant delivery to the valve crank bearing, thereby improving lubrication efficiency without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support body itself serves dual purposes: providing structural support and delivering lubrication. The lubricant outlet channel is formed as part of the support body structure, allowing the component to serve its own lubrication needs without requiring external lubrication system elements, thus maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing lubrication reliability
2Reliability
If additional elements are added to improve lubrication, then lubrication reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication function is merged into the support body through an integrated lubricant outlet channel. This eliminates the need for additional separate lubrication components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable lubricant supply to the valve crank bearing
Solution Approach 2:
The support body is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support for the valvetrain components and simultaneously delivering lubrication through its integrated outlet channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lubrication system elements, keeping manufacturing simple while ensuring reliable lubrication
3Reliability
If continuous lubricant supply is used, then lubrication is always available, but lubricant pressure control becomes difficult and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant outlet is designed to supply lubricant intermittently rather than continuously, with lubricant delivery occurring at specific intervals when the valve crank bearing requires it. This periodic action ensures lubrication availability when needed while preventing energy waste from continuous lubricant flow, improving overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system transitions from a static continuous supply to a dynamic intermittent supply that adapts to the actual lubrication needs of the valve crank bearing. This dynamic approach ensures lubricant is delivered when required while avoiding energy waste from unnecessary continuous flow, optimizing energy efficiency
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 design achieves reliable and efficient lubrication, enhancing the mechanical simplicity and durability of the valvetrain, allowing for effective operation in high-speed engines, such as those in motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, aircraft, and watercraft.
Implementation Method 1
the lubricant supply system comprises a lubricant outlet (130, 140, 150, 160) from the support body (80)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A variable valvetrain 2 for actuating a valve 70 of an internal combustion engine is provided. The valvetrain 2 comprises a rotatable valve crank 16 rotatably mounted by a valve crank bearing 15 to a rigid support body 80. The support body 80 is pivotably mounted on a pivot shaft 23. The valvetrain further comprises and a lubricant supply system 100 with a support-body lubricant supply channel 128 passing from the pivot shaft 23 through the support body 80 to the valve crank bearing 15.