System and method for regenerative electromagnetic engine valve actuation

An electromagnetic actuator for opening and closing a valve in an internal combustion engine, the actuator comprising:

• a non-magnetic shaft connected to the valve;
• an annular field assembly coaxially aligned with and secured to the shaft, the field assembly having a plurality of annular permanent magnets each creating a generally axially oriented magnetic field, and a plurality of annular ferromagnetic discs, the permanent magnetic alternately interposed with the ferromagnetic discs;
• an annular armature assembly coaxially aligned with the field assembly, the armature assembly including a generally cylindrical ferromagnetic housing having a plurality of axially spaced members extending radially inward toward the field assembly and separating each of a plurality of coils, wherein electrical current applied to the armature assembly coils causes linear motion of the field assembly, shaft and the valve relative to the armature assembly.

A system for actuating an intake or exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:

• a linear DC machine including a cylindrical field assembly said field assembly having a plurality of permanent axially oriented annular permanent magnets separated by ferromagnetic material and mounted on a substantially non-magnetic shaft, adjacent magnets having like poles facing one another and a coaxially aligned cylindrical armature assembly having a plurality of coils arranged with alternating opposite magnetic fields, each coil axially separated from an adjacent coil by ferromagnetic material, the field assembly being linearly displaced relative to the armature assembly when a current is applied to the armature assembly, intake or exhaust valve being mechanically coupled to the field assembly;
• and
• a controller electrically connected to the armature for selectively supplying the current and reversing polarity of the current to actuate the valve.