US 10,480,362 B2 · Inductive coupling to rocker arm assemblies

Abstract

An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head and a valvetrain including a poppet valve, a cam shaft on which is mounted a cam, and a rocker arm assembly. The rocker arm assembly includes a rocker arm and a cam follower configured to engage the cam as the cam shaft rotates. The rocker arm assembly is operative to transmit force from the cam to actuate the valve and includes an electrical device mounted to the rocker arm. A first electrical circuit includes the electrical device and a first conductor mounted to the rocker arm and a second electrical circuit includes a second conductor mounted off the rocker arm. The first and second conductors are inductively coupled to an extent that enables effective power transfer or communication between them. Inductive power transfer avoids the use of wires that could become caught, clipped, or fatigued and consequently short out.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A valvetrain for an internal combustion engine of a type that has a combustion chamber, a moveable valve having a seat formed in the combustion chamber, and a camshaft, the valvetrain comprising:

a rocker arm assembly comprising a rocker arm and a cam follower configured to engage a cam mounted on a camshaft as the camshaft rotates;
and
a first coil that is mounted to the rocker arm;
and
a second coil mounted to a component distinct from the rocker arm;
wherein the first and second coils form a system of magnetically coupled inductors at least while the cam is on base circle, whereby an alternating current in the second coil induces a voltage in the first coil.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Inductive coupling to rocker arm assemblies

Life of this patent

Inductive coupling to rocker arm assemblies

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20