System and method for actuating an engine valve
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorRonald D. Shinogle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An engine valve actuation system is provided that includes an engine valve that is movable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve between the first position and the second position in a predetermined actuation pattern. A valve actuator having a piezo electric device is operable to change the movement of the engine valve from the predetermined actuation pattern. A controller is adapted to control the piezo electric device to achieve a desired valve actuation pattern.
Claims16
An engine valve actuation system, comprising:
- an engine intake valve movable between a first position where the engine intake valve prevents a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine intake valve allows a flow of fluid;
- a cam assembly operatively connected to the engine intake valve to move the engine intake valve between the first position and the second position in a predetermined actuation pattern;
- a valve actuator having a piezo electric device, and being operable to change the movement of the engine intake valve from the predetermined actuation pattern by pressurizing a fluid passageway by the piezo electric device;
- and
- a controller adapted to control the piezo electric device to achieve a desired valve actuation pattern.
A method of actuating an engine valve, comprising:
- operating a cam assembly to move an engine intake valve in a predetermined actuation pattern between a first position where the engine valve blocks a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid;
- operating a valve actuator having at least one piezo electric device, the valve actuator adapted to change the movement of the engine intake valve from the predetermined actuation pattern;
- pressurizing a fluid with the at least one piezo electric device;
- and
- controlling the at least one piezo electric device to achieve a desired valve actuation pattern.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.