Method for diagnosing variable valve actuation malfunctions by monitoring fluid pressure in a control gallery
US9964005B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01L2820/043
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for diagnosing malfunctions in a variable valve actuation device. The method uses a rocker arm assembly with a hydraulically operated latch for latching together first and second arms of the rocker arm assembly when latched. The rocker arm assembly includes a source of pressurized fluid connected to a hydraulic valve that provides fluid high or low pressure fluid to the hydraulically-operated latch. A control gallery connects the hydraulic valve to the latch. A pressure transducer is positioned within the gallery and is adapted to create a signal indicating the pressure in the gallery. A control unit is coupled to the hydraulic valve and the pressure transducer. The control unit is adapted to sense engine operation parameters, actuate the hydraulic valve, read the signal from the pressure transducer; and identify malfunctions of the rocker arm assembly based upon the signal from the transducer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.