Apparatus and method for dynamic hydraulic locking and releasing a cam lobe from a camshaft
US10364711B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01L2013/105
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Poppet valves in an internal combustion engine may be operated intermittently if desired by the selective dynamic locking or unlocking of one or more cam lobes with the shaft that acts as a conventional camshaft when the lobes are locked to it. One or more cam lobes with a small radial clearance ride on a shaft so that an engagement mechanism may be activated as needed to lock the cam lobe to the shaft, thus activating the respective poppet valve. The cam lobe is prevented from moving axially to ensure correct alignment with a follower. A suitable holding device may be used to ensure the non-activated cam lobe(s) is (are) restrained at a suitable orientation relative to the cam follower.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.