Continuously variable valvetrain actuator having a torque-compensating mechanism
US8276556B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2107
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mechanism for compensating systematic uni-directional torque bias imposed on a bi-directional drive actuator shaft, comprising a pallet disposed on an arm for rotation with the actuator shaft. A bucket tappet is engaged by the pallet and contains a helical compression spring. As the actuator shaft rotates and compresses the spring, the load on the pallet increases linearly but the length of the lever arm changes non-linearly at a rate different from the force applied to the pallet. This results in a non-linear torque about the actuator shaft. The torque can be the same at the compression spring preload state as it is at the full load state or it can be biased to be unsymmetrical based on the layout and size of the components and the stroke of the actuator shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.