Sliding spring contacts providing electrical power to rocker arms
US10731516B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01L2305/00
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valvetrain for an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft and a rocker arm assembly. The rocker arm assembly includes an electrical device, a rocker arm, and a cam follower. A contact held to the rocker arm abuts a spring attached to a component distinct from the rocker arm assembly to form an interface. The electrical device is powered through the interface. The spring slides over the contact as the rocker arm assembly pivots to actuate a moveable valve. The interface is formed near a pivot axis whereby the motion undergone by the interface is much less than the motion undergone by points on the rocker arm assembly more distal from the axis. Keeping the interface proximate the pivot axis and leaving the spring free to slide over the contact reducing the extent to which the spring undergoes movement and wear during valvetrain operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.