Rocker arm assembly and components therefor

A system for preloading a latch used in controlling variable valve actuation in an automobile, the system comprising:

• at least a first and second cam each comprising a base circle portion and a lift portion;
• a rocker arm assembly for operative engagement with the cams, the rocker arm assembly comprising:
• a first arm for operatively engaging the first cam for a first desired lift profile,
• a second arm for operatively engaging the second cam for a second desired lift profile, the second arm comprising a selectively-activatable latch to operatively engage the second arm with the first arm,
• an electronic control unit (ECU);
• and
• an oil control valve in electronic communication with the ECU, operatively coupled to the rocker arm assembly and at least one of supplying and releasing oil pressure to operate the latch based on an electronic signal received from the ECU;
• wherein the ECU provides a signal for the oil control valve to at least one of supply oil pressure or release oil pressure prior to the first and second arms being engaged with the base circle portion of each respective first and second cams.