Patent · US Expired

Lost motion full authority valve actuation system

US6257183A · kind A · utility

35Cited by
20References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 4, 1998
Grant dateJul 10, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 4, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF01L13/00
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A lost motion variable valve actuation system utilizing a single solenoid valve or trigger valve to vary the timing of the intake and exhaust valves for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The solenoid controls the oil supply to the tappets, which in turn, determine valve motion in response to a camshaft lobe The system allows independent control of each valve and provides for advanced features such as enhanced intake air swirl, two-valve or four-valve operation and staggered valve opening. The invention provides for valve operation even in the event of a total loss of system hydraulic pressure. The invention provides the practical benefits of a fully-variable system while preserving the security and reliability of a mechanical, cam-driven valve train. The invention provides for filling the exhaust and intake tappets independently without connecting their respective hydraulic circuits.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.