Cam phasing systems and methods
AssigneeHUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
InventorsAustin Schmitt, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak, Brian Heidemann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Cam phasing systems and methods are provided. In particular, a cam phasing system is provided that includes a reduced number of components when compared to current mechanical cam phasing systems. The cam phasing system includes a helix locking design that is configured to frictionally lock a helix rod during cam torque pulses.
Claims15
A cam phasing system configured to vary a rotational relationship between a camshaft and a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, the cam phasing system comprising:
- a sprocket hub configured to be coupled to the crankshaft;
- a cradle rotor configured to be coupled to the camshaft, wherein the cradle rotor includes a helical slot;
- and
- an input rod including a helical protrusion, wherein the helical protrusion is configured to interact with the helical slot to vary a rotational relationship between the camshaft and the crankshaft;
- and
- a compliance mechanism coupled between the input rod and an actuator and including a spring arranged to apply and maintain a force on the input rod in response to an input force being applied to the compliance mechanism by the actuator, and
- wherein the interaction between the helical protrusion and the helical slot is configured to frictionally lock the cradle rotor to the input rod during rotary torque events.
A cam phasing system configured to vary a rotational relationship between a camshaft and a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, the cam phasing system comprising:
- a sprocket hub configured to be coupled to the crankshaft;
- a cradle rotor configured to be coupled to the camshaft, wherein the cradle rotor includes a helical recess;
- and
- a helix rod including a spline having a helical portion configured to interact with the helical recess of the cradle rotor to vary a rotational relationship between the camshaft and the crankshaft;
- and
- an actuator coupled to the helix rod through a compliance mechanism including a spring, wherein the spring of the compliance mechanism is configured to transfer an input force from the actuator to the helix rod to ensure that the cradle rotor reaches a predetermined rotational offset relative to the sprocket hub, and
- wherein the interaction between the helical recess and the helical portion is configured to frictionally lock the cradle rotor to the helix rod during rotary torque events.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.