Engine valve actuation system and method

A method of controlling an engine valve, comprising:

• operating a cam assembly to move an engine valve between a closed position and an open position;
• transmitting a signal to engage an actuator with the engine valve when the engine valve is at least partially open to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position;
• and
• identifying when the actuator fails to engage the engine valve in response to the transmitted signal or when the actuator fails to release the engine valve.

An engine, comprising,

• an engine block defining at least one cylinder;
• at least one piston slidably disposed within the at least one cylinder;
• at least one intake valve operatively associated with the at least one cylinder;
• a cam assembly operatively connected to the at least one intake valve to move the intake valve between a closed position and an open position;
• an actuator operatively connected to the engine valve, the actuator configured to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position;
• and
• a controller configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position, the controller further configured to identify when the actuator fails to engage the engine valve in response to the transmitted signal or when the actuator fails to release the engine valve.

A method of controlling an engine valve, comprising:

• operating a cam assembly to move an engine valve between a closed position and an open position;
• transmitting a signal to engage an actuator with the engine valve to alter movement of the valve with respect to said cam assembly;
• monitoring a parameter that is affected by the operation of the actuator;
• and
• generating a warning signal when the monitored parameter is indicative of a failure of the actuator to engage the engine valve.