Variable Compression Ratio Phaser With Planetary Locking Rotor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotational phasing systems require significant axial force and increased packaging size to achieve desired relative rotation between components, leading to high costs and inefficient design.
Innovation Solution
The use of a planetary actuator coupled with a torsion spring and a spider rotor to selectively lock and unlock relative rotation between a gear hub and a cradle rotor, allowing for rotary input to facilitate controlled relative rotation with reduced axial height and force requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional rotational phasing systems use significant axial force to achieve desired relative rotation between components, then the relative rotation is achieved, but the packaging size and axial height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a planetary actuator mechanism that dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states, allowing relative rotation only when needed. The spider rotor selectively engages with the gear hub and cradle rotor, enabling dynamic control of the rotational relationship between crankshaft and eccentric shaft without requiring continuous axial force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the input shaft and the phasing components. It includes a sun gear, planet gears, and a spider rotor that collectively mediate the transmission of rotational force, allowing controlled relative rotation between the gear hub and cradle rotor while reducing the direct axial force requirements.
2Volume of stationary object
If conventional rotational phasing systems increase packaging size to accommodate phasing mechanisms, then the desired relative rotation is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary actuator combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated mechanism. The sun gear, planet gears, spider rotor, and locking features are merged into one compact assembly that performs both the phasing function and the locking function simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables relative rotation between components, provides selective locking to maintain fixed rotational relationships, and transmits rotational force from the input shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity and packaging size.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rotational phasing systems apply continuous axial force to maintain relative rotation, then the rotational relationship is maintained, but the energy consumption and force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic engagement and disengagement of the spider rotor with the gear hub and cradle rotor. The locking features are engaged periodically to maintain the desired rotational relationship only when needed, rather than applying continuous force. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining stability during critical operating phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary actuator mechanism uses its own internal geometry and gravity to maintain the locked position once engaged. The spider rotor and locking features are designed to self-lock at specific rotational positions, eliminating the need for continuous external force application to maintain the rotational relationship, thereby reducing energy consumption.
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 configuration reduces the axial height and force needed for relative rotation, resulting in a more cost-effective and compact phasing system that can efficiently vary the rotational relationship between a crank shaft and an eccentric shaft in applications like internal combustion engines.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring coupled between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. The torsion spring is configured to apply a torque load in a first direction between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to offset a torque load applied in a second direction by either one of the eccentric shaft or the crank shaft
Implementation Method 2
a planetary actuator coupled to the gear hub and the spider rotor. The planetary actuator is configured to receive a rotary input to provide an output to the spider rotor to unlock relative rotation between the cradle rotor and the gear hub
Implementation Method 3
a spider rotor arranged between the gear hub and the cradle rotor and configured to selectively lock and unlock relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A phasing system is provided. A phase angle between the gear hub and the cradle rotor can be driven by a planetary actuator. In some non-limiting examples, an input shaft rotationally coupled between a rotary actuator for rotation therewith. Rotation of the input shaft can unlock relative rotation between the cradle rotor and the gear hub. In some non-limiting examples, the phasing system can include a gear hub and a cradle rotor, and a torsion spring arrange therebetween. The torsion spring can be configured to apply an internal torque load between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to offset an external torque load applied to the gear hub or the cradle rotor.