Design and assembly method of a low cost camshaft

Abstract

A camshaft assembly and method of making a camshaft assembly is disclosed. Each of the cams includes a lobe boss portion that defines the cam lift profile, and a base portion that provides a surface for joining the cam to the shaft. In contrast to conventional ring-type cams, the base portion of the cam does not circumscribe the outer surface of the shaft, but instead extends only part way around the circumference or periphery of the shaft. This allows for radial mounting of the cams at virtually any timing angle, and permits the use of simple techniques for joining the cams to the shaft, including capacitance discharge welding. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.