Method and apparatus for flexibly regulating internal combustion engine valve flow
AssigneeInternational Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
InventorsNing Lei, Qianfan Xin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In an internal combustion engine, a fixed engine valve timing profile may be combined with a variable profile produced by a valve actuator coupled to one or more engine valves. By controlling one or more engine valves independent of the fixed timing profile, engine gas flow may be more flexibly regulated, thereby optimizing engine performance under a wide variety of operating conditions. In one embodiment, enhanced internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) may be achieved. A turbocharger may be used, along with the control provided by the valve actuator, to further control engine gas flow. In this manner, the present invention facilitates greater control of engine gas flow with minimal cost and complexity.
Claims31
A method comprising the steps of:
- operatively coupling a valve actuator to at least one intake valve of an internal combustion engine, wherein the at least one intake valve is controlled in part by operation of a fixed timing mechanism;
- controlling operation of the at least one intake valve via the valve actuator independent of position of the fixed timing mechanism to regulate engine gas flow;
- wherein the controlling step is provided independently for each cylinder of the internal combustion engine.
An improved internal combustion engine of the type having at least one combustion chamber coupled to at least two valves, the at least two valves comprising at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, wherein operation of the at least two valves is controlled in part by operation of a fixed timing mechanism, the improvement comprising:
- a valve actuator, operatively coupled to at least the at least one intake valve of the at least two valves, for controlling operation of the at least one valve independent of position of the fixed timing mechanism,
- wherein the valve actuator is controllable to regulate engine gas flow.
An internal combustion engine comprising:
- at least one combustion chamber;
- at least two valves coupled to the combustion chamber, the at least two valves comprising at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, wherein operation of the at least two valves is controlled in part by operation of a fixed timing mechanism and independent of operation of other valves for each combustion chamber other than the at least one combustion chamber;
- a valve actuator, operatively coupled to at least one valve of the at least two valves, for controlling operation of the at least one valve independent of position of the fixed timing mechanism;
- a turbocharger comprising:
- a turbine coupled to a compressor;
- an input port operatively positioned to receive exhaust gases from the combustion chamber via the at least one exhaust valve to thereby drive the turbine and the compressor;
- and
- an output port operatively positioned to provide pressurized air received from the compressor to the combustion chamber via the at least one intake valve, wherein the valve actuator and turbocharger are controllable to regulate engine gas flow.
In an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber coupled to at least two valves, the at least two valves comprising at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, wherein operation of the at least two valves is controlled in part by operation of a fixed timing mechanism, a method for effectuating internal exhaust gas recirculation, the method comprising:
- operatively coupling a valve actuator to at least one valve of the at least two valves;
- controlling operation of the at least one valve via the valve actuator independent of position of the fixed timing mechanism and independent of engine operating condition to regulate engine gas flow.
In an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber coupled to at least two valves, the at least two valves comprising at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, wherein operation of the at least two valves is controlled in part by operation of a fixed timing mechanism, and wherein a turbocharger is operatively positioned to receive exhaust gases from the combustion chamber via the at least one exhaust valve and to provide pressurized air to the combustion chamber via the at least one intake valve, a method for effectuating internal exhaust gas recirculation, the method comprising:
- operatively coupling a valve actuator to at least one valve of the at least two valves;
- controlling operation of the at least one valve via the valve actuator independent of position of the fixed timing mechanism to effectuate Internal exhaust gas recirculation;
- and
- controlling operation of the turbocharger to regulate engine gas flow by at least controlling operation of the turbocharger to effectuate variable levels of internal exhaust gas recirculation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.