Engine valve actuator assembly with dual hydraulic feedback

A valve actuator assembly comprising:

• a movable engine valve;
• a movable spool valve;
• a valve, housing having a primary fluid chamber, a secondary fluid chamber, and a third fluid chamber;
• a first piston operatively cooperating with said engine valve and being disposed in said valve housing and having said first fluid chamber on one side and said second fluid chamber on an opposite side;
• a second piston operatively cooperating with said engine valve and being disposed in said valve housing and having said third fluid chamber on one side thereof;
• a driving channel interconnecting said spool valve and said first fluid chamber;
• a first feedback channel interconnecting said spool valve and said second fluid chamber;
• a second feedback channel interconnecting said spool valve and said third fluid chamber;
• an actuator operatively cooperating with said spool valve to position said spool valve to prevent and allow fluid flow in and out of said driving channel to position said engine valve;
• a first on/off valve in fluid communication with said first feedback channel to enable and disable said first feedback channel to stop said engine valve at a predetermined lift position;
• and
• a second on/off valve in fluid communication with said second feedback channel to enable and disable said second feedback channel to stop said engine valve at a predetermined return position.

A method of operating a valve actuator assembly for a vehicle comprising:

• providing a movable engine valve;
• providing a movable spool valve;
• actuating an actuator operatively cooperating with the spool valve and supplying a driving channel interconnecting the spool valve and the engine valve with high pressure fluid to move open the engine valve;
• supplying a first feedback channel interconnecting the spool valve and the engine valve with fluid flow;
• supplying a second feedback channel interconnecting the spool valve and the engine valve with fluid flow;
• enabling and disenabling the first feedback channel via a first on/off valve and enabling and disenabling the second feedback channel via a second on/off valve and controlling motion of the spool valve.