Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present subject matter relates generally to an engine assembly, more particularly relates to a variable valve actuation mechanism for the engine assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, A conventional vehicle is powered by an internal combustion 5 engine (hereinafter "engine") generally disposed at the lower half of the vehicle. This engine converts chemical energy into mechanical energy by combustion of an air-fuel mixture within a combustion chamber of the engine. The engine, among other components, has a cylinder block comprising a cylinder head atop of the cylinder block and receiving a reciprocating piston from the bottom. On 10 combustion of an air-fuel mixture, piston transfers the energy generated during combustion to a crankshaft through a connecting rod thereby driving the crankshaft. In this way, the reciprocating motion of the piston is converted to rotatory motion of the crankshaft. The crankshaft is housed inside a crankcase beneath the cylinder block. 15
[0003]
Further, two intake rocker arms are provided with two cam lobes for intake of fuel in the compression chamber and one exhaust rocker arm is provided with exhaust cam lobes. The each of the intake and exhaust cam lobes are configured to have one or more parts such as an acceleration part, a peak lift area and a deceleration part. 20
[0004]
One or more valves of the engines are generally opened and closed to allow for the intake and exhaust of gases in a cylinder of the engine. Valves are operated
3
by various valve lifter mechanisms including rocker arms and roller finger follower
assemblies.
[0005]
Problem arises when a user tends to increase or decrease the speed of the vehicle, at a lower speed the engine tends to require less fuel-air mixture in the combustion zone, but at a high speed the engine requires more fuel-air mixture to 5 burn and produce relevant torque. In current prior arts systems to control the valves ae provided by which the valve timings, valve duration and valve lifts are controlled, but the systems are not sustainable for every engine and the system also requires the injection of a greater number of parts which makes the engine bulky, that tends to increase inertia of the engine. Due to this fuel economy decreases over 10 the time.
[0006]
Therefore, there is an essential requirement for a solution that addresses the above-mentioned problems with conventional engine assembly.
SUMMARY
[0007]
Aspects of the present invention pertain to an engine assembly, the engine 15 assembly having an intake cam shaft, the intake cam shaft may be configured to actuate an intake rocker arm. One or more connectors, the one or more connectors may be configured to actuate a crank chain, at least one coupler the at least one coupler may be configured to connect with the intake cam shaft and the one or more connectors. Wherein, the at least one coupler may be configured to operate 20 one or more valves of the engine assembly.
[0008]
Another aspect of the present invention, an actuator may be configured to operate the at least one coupler in a predetermined operating condition.
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[0009]
Another aspect of the present invention, at least one coupler having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. Wherein, the first portion and the third portion may be configured to have one or more apertures of a predetermined cross-section.
[00010]
Another aspect of the present invention, the first portion and the third 5 portion may be configured to connect the one or more connectors of the engine assembly.
[00011]
Another aspect of the present invention, the second portion of the at least one coupler may be configured to accommodate a bearing. The bearing may be configured to connect with an actuator for changing the predetermined operating 10 conditions of the at least one coupler.
[00012]
Another aspect of the present invention, the one or more connectors having a first connector, a second connector. Wherein, the first connector and second connector may be configured to connect with the one or more apertures.
[00013]
Another aspect of the present invention, the first connector and the second 15 connector having at least one mounting provision, the at least one mounting provision may be configured to accommodate the intake cam shaft, at least one elongated portion. Wherein, the at least one elongated portion may be configured to connect with the one or more aperture of the at least one coupler.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20
[00014]
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The detailed description of
5
the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and components.
[00015]
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an engine assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 5
[00016]
Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the engine assembly after elimination of some parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00017]
Fig. 3 illustrates a front view of the engine assembly after elimination of some parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 10
[00018]
Fig. 4 illustrates a cut section top view of the engine assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00019]
Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the engine assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00020]
Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of at least one coupler, in accordance 15 with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00021]
Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a first connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00022]
Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a second connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 20
[00023]
Fig. 9 illustrates a cut section view of the at least one coupler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
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[00024]
Fig. 10 illustrates an exploded view of an engine assembly, in another embodiment of the present invention.
[00025]
Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of at least one coupler, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[00026]
Fig. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a connector, in accordance with 5 another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00027]
Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples 10 and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit is indicated by the following claims. 15
[00028]
The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a wheel along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present 20 subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the
7
present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to
encompass equivalents thereof.
[00029]
Additionally, the invention provides an engine assembly, the engine assembly being configured to provide a variable valve actuation mechanism which plays vital role in increasing the performance of the engine assembly. 5
[00030]
It is an object of the present invention to provide the Variable valve duration system aims at a stepless transition offering optimum valve duration for all engine speeds therefore allowing for better performance and fuel efficiency.
[00031]
Referring to figure 1 which illustrates an engine assembly 100. The engine assembly 100 is a power train unit for a vehicle (not shown). in an 10 embodiment, the vehicle can be a two- wheeled, a three- wheeled, a four- wheeled or a multi- wheeled vehicle. in the present embodiment, the vehicle is two wheeled vehicles. Further, the vehicle can be an internal combustion engine driven or a hybrid vehicle having one power source as the internal combustion engine. In an embodiment, the engine assembly 100 can be having a single over-head cam shaft 15 or a dual over-head cam shaft. In an embodiment of the present invention the engine assembly 100 is configured to have a single over-head camshaft 120, 116.
[00032]
The engine assembly 100 is configured to have a cylinder head 102. The cylinder head 102 is provided to seal a combustion chamber (not shown) and to control flow of air and fuel mixture in the engine assembly 100. Further the engine 20 assembly 100 is configured to have an actuator 104. The actuator 104 is configured to provide an input to at least one coupler 111. In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 104 can configured to operate with a control unit (not
8
shown), wherein the control unit can be configured to provide signals to the
actuator 104 based on a vehicle operating conditions. Further, the vehicle operating conditions can be a speed of the vehicle, a speed of the engine assembly and the like. Further, the engine assembly 100 is configured to have a first sprocket 106, the first sprocket 106 is configured to functionally connected to a crank chain 107 5 of the engine assembly 100. In an embodiment, the first sprocket 106 is a crankshaft sprocket.
[00033]
Referring to figure 2 which illustrates the engine assembly 100. The engine assembly 100 is configured to have an intake rocker arm 108 and an exhaust rocker arm 110. The intake rocker arm 108 and the exhaust rocker arm 110 are 10 configured to operably connected with one or more valves 114 of the engine assembly 100. Further, the intake rocker arm 108 is configured to connect with an intake cam shaft 116, the intake cam shaft 116 is configured to transmit the power to the intake rocker arm 108 to operate the one or more valves 114, 115 of the engine assembly 100. Further, the exhaust rocker arm 110 is configured to connect 15 with an exhaust cam shaft 120, the exhaust cam shaft 120 is configured to have a cam lobe 120a which tends to actuate the one or more valves 114, 115. In an embodiment, the one or more valves 114, 115 can have an intake valve 114 and the exhaust valve 115, the intake valves are configured to provide the fuel to the combustion chamber (not shown) of the engine assembly 100. Further, the engine 20 assembly 100 is configured to have a first connector 113. The first connector 113 is configured to actuate at least one coupler 111. The at least one coupler 111 is
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configured to have a first portion 111a and a second portion 111b.Further, the
engine assembly 100 is also provided to have a bearing 112.
[00034]
Referring to figure 3 and figure 4, a cut section view of the engine assembly 100 is provided. the figure 3 illustrates the cut- section front view of the engine assembly 100. The actuator 104 is configured to connect at least one coupler 5 111 through the bearing 112. Further, the figure 4 provides a cut-section top view of the engine assembly 100. The engine assembly 100 is configured to have a second connector 124, the second connector 124 is configured to connect with the intake cam shaft 116. Further, the at least one coupler 111 is provided with the first portion 111a and the second portion 111b. in an embodiment of the present 10 invention, the at least one coupler 111 is provided between the second connector 124 and the first connector 113. In an embodiment, the at least one coupler 111 can be connected to a single connector.
[00035]
Referring to figure 5 which illustrates an exploded view of the engine assembly 100. The engine assembly 100 is provided for the variable valve 15 actuation mechanism. In the present invention, the at least one coupler 111 is provided in the engine assembly 100. Referring to figure 6 and 9 in conjunction with the figure 5, the at least one coupler 111 is configured to have a first portion 111a, a second portion 111-1 and a third portion 111b. in the present embodiment three separate portions are provided but at least one coupler can also have a single 20 portion. In an embodiment, the at least one coupler 111 is of dumbbell like shape having a cylinder end in between to connect two-disc type ends. Further, the first portion 111a, the second portion 111-1 and the third portion 111b is configured to
10
have a mounting p
ortion 111-3. The mounting provision 111-3 is provided to accommodate the intake cam shaft 116. Further, the first portion 111a and third portion 111b are configured to have at least one aperture 111-2, 111-4. The at least one aperture 111-2 and 111-4 comprising a first aperture 111-2 and a second aperture 111-4. In an embodiment, the first portion 111a of the at least one coupler 5 111 is configured to have the first aperture 111-2 and the third portion 111b of the at least one coupler 111 is configured to have the second aperture 111-4. Furthermore, the at least one aperture 111-2, 111-4 is configured to have a predetermined cross- section. In an embodiment, the predetermined cross- section can be a rectangular, square, ovel, capsule and the like. In the embodiment of the 10 present invention, the at least one aperture 111-2, 111-4 is having the capsule shape cross-section. Furthermore, the first aperture 111-2 and the second aperture 111-4 are provided at offset to 180 degrees from each other. Furter, the first aperture 111-2 and the second aperture 111-4 are parallel to each other along a BB axis. Further, the at least one coupler 111 is configured to accommodate the bearing 112. In an 15 embodiment of the present invention, the second portion 111-1 of the at least one coupler 111 is configured to accommodate the bearing 112 on the top surface of the second portion 111-1. In an embodiment, axis of motion of the at least one coupler 111 and the bearing 112 are coincident and parallel. In a non-limiting example, the bearing 112 can be a ball bearing, a needle bearing, a roller bearing 20 and the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, the bearing 112 is configured to have a top portion 112a and a bottom portion 112b. The top portion 112a and the bottom portion 112b are configured to hold together and sandwiches
11
the second portion 111
-1 of the at least one coupler 111. Furthermore, the bottom portion 112b is configured to have a pip holder 112b-1. The pip holder 112b-1 is configured to accommodate the actuator pip 104-1.
[00036]
The engine assembly 100 is configured to have one or more connectors 113, 124. The one or more connectors 113, 124 comprising the first connector 113 5 and the second connector 124. Referring to figures 7 and 8 in conjunction with figure 5, the one or more connectors 113, 124 is configured to actuate the at least one coupler 111. Further, the first connector 113 and the second connector 124 are configured to have at least one elongated portion 113-1, 124-1. In an embodiment, the first connector 113 is configured to have a first elongated portion 113-1 and the 10 second connector 124 is configured to have a second elongated portion 124-1. Further, the first connector 113 and the second connector 124 configured to have a mounting provision 113-2, 124-2, the mounting provision 113-2, 124-2 is configured to accommodate the intake cam shaft 116. In an embodiment, the first elongated portion 113-1 and the second elongated portion 124-1 is configured to 15 have a cylinder cross- section.
[00037]
Referring to the figure 5 in conjunction with figure 6,7,8, and 9 a working example is provided. the engine assembly 100 is configured to have the actuator 104, the actuator 104 is configured to have the actuator pip 104-1. The actuator pip 104-1 is detachably connected to the pip holder 112b-1 of the bottom portion 112b 20 of the bearing 112. The actuator 104 is configured to actuate the at least one coupler 111 along the axis of the actuator 104 (left or right direction). Further, the center of rotation of the at least one coupler 111 will change as per the center of rotation
12
of the intake cam shaft 116. Further, the center of rotation of a second sprocket
121, intake cam shaft 116 and exhaust cam shaft 120 are locked, only the at least coupler 111 can change its center of rotation. Now, as the one or more apertures 111-2 and 111-4 of the at least connector 111 is configured to connect with the at least one elongated portion 113-1, 124-1 of the one or more connectors. At the 5 initial position when the first elongated portion 113-1 is in contact with a first part 111-2a of the first aperture 111-2 and the second elongated portion 124-1 is in contact with a first part 111-4a of the second aperture 111-4 the center of the at least one coupler 111 is same as that of the one or more connectors 113, 124, both of these parts will rotate at the same speed or at the same degrees. Now when we 10 translate the at least one coupler 111 to extreme left direction than the first elongated portion 113-1 comes in contact with a second part 111-2b and then with a third part 111-2c of the first aperture 111-2 and similarly the second elongated portion 124-1 comes in contact with a second part 111-4b and then with 111-4c of the second aperture 111-4. This mechanism tends to reduce the speed of the at least 15 one coupler 111 in comparison to the one or more connectors 113, 124, so when the speed of the at least one coupler 111 is reduced the speed of the intake cam shaft 116 will also tend to reduce. Hence due to this the mechanism is configured to provide the variable valve actuation.
[00038]
Referring to figure 10 in conjunction with figure 11 and 12, another 20 embodiment of the present invention illustrates an engine assembly 200. The engine assembly 200 is configured to have an inlet camshaft 202. The inlet camshaft 202 is configured to have a plurality of slicers 202a. in an embodiment,
13
the plurality of slicers 202a of the inlet cam shaft 202 is configured operably
connect with a plurality of female slicers of a connector 210. The inlet cam shaft 202 further configured to accommodate at least one coupler 208. The engine assembly 200 is configured to have a sprocket connector 206. The sprocket connector 206 is configured to have one or more vacant portion 206a. The one or 5 more vacant portion 206a is configured to connect a first elongated portion 206b. in an embodiment, the connecting mechanism can be an interference fit, welding, soldering and the like. Further, the engine assembly 200 is configured to have the at least one coupler 208. The at least one coupler 208 is illustrated in figure 11, the at least one coupler 208 is configured to have a first aperture 208a and a second 10 aperture 208b. in an embodiment, the at least one coupler 208 is configured to have the first aperture 208a and the second aperture 208b is provided onto a face surface 208c of the at least one coupler 208. Further, the first aperture 208a and the second aperture 208b are provided inline to each other on a same face of the at least one coupler 208. In a non-limiting example, the first aperture 208a and the second 15 aperture 208b are having common center axis like each other. Further, the first aperture 208a of the at least one coupler 208 is configured to operably connect with the first elongated portion 206b of the sprocket connector 206. The second aperture 208b of the at least one coupler 208 is configured to operably connected with a second elongated portion 210a of the connector 210. The first elongated portion 20 206b and the second elongated portion 210a of the connector 210 is configured to rotate the at least one coupler 208 in a clockwise or an anti- clockwise direction. Further, the engine assembly 200 is configured to a bearing 212. The bearing 212
14
is configured to accommodate the at least one coupler 208, the connector 210 inside
a vacant portion 212a, further, the working of the another embodiment shown in the figure 10 is same as that embodiment shown in the figure 5.
[00039]
In view of the above, the claimed limitations as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed limitations 5 enable the above solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies.
[00040]
The present invention achieves seamless variation in the valve duration at the different operating parameters of the engine assembly. This system improves the working and provides the improved fuel economy and power with the single overhead cam shaft architecture. Further, the engine assembly requires minimal 10 modification to the cylinder head and cover casing for integration also the use of standard valves, rocker shafts, valve springs and rocker arm make the invention cheaper and sustainable for the industry. The coupler provides the benefit of changing the intake cam shaft speed to increase the duration of valve lift.
[00041]
The claimed invention provides a tangible and specific implementation 15 involving a the one or more sensors, the one or more actuators, the control units, the controller and the cluster unit. These components work together in a tangible manner to enable the operation of controlling the one or more light emitting source. This specificity adds concreteness to the invention, making it applicable to a range of practical scenarios. 20
[00042]
In summary, the claimed invention provides a specific, tangible, and practical solution to challenges in vehicle control interfaces, making it non-abstract. The combination of specific components, functionalities, and
15
applications, along with the customization and connectivity features, contributes
to the non-obviousness of the invention to a person skilled in the art. In view of the above, the claimed invention may not be considered abstract and may not be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
[00043]
The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the 5 embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” 10 mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00044]
Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, 15 but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00045]
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various 20 aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope as indicated by the following claims.
16
[00046]
A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create 5 other different systems or applications.
[00047]
It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present 10 disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
15
20
17
REFERENCE NUMERIALS
100, 200- Engine assembly 112b- Bottom portion of bearing
102-Cylinder head112b-1- Pip holder
104-Actuator113-First connector
104-1-Actuator pip114-intake valve5
106-First Sprocket115-Exhaust valve
107-Crank chain116, 202-Intake cam shaft
108-intake rocker arm116a-Intake cam lobe
110-exhaust rocker arm120, 204- Exhaust cam shaft
111a- First portion 120a-Exhaust cam lobe 10
111b- Third portion 121-Second sprocket
111-1 - Second portion124, 210-Second connector
111-2- First aperture124-1- Second elongated portion
111-3- Mounting portion124-2-mounting provision
111-4- Second aperture113, 206-First connector 15
111-At least one coupler113-2-mounting provision
111-2a- first part of first aperture
18
111-2b- second part of first aperture
111-2c- third part of first aperture
111-4a- first part of second aperture
111-4b- second part of second aperture
111-4c- third part of second aperture5
112, 212- Bearing
112a- Top portion of bearing
212a- vacant portion , Claims:1.
An engine assembly (100, 200), the engine assembly (100, 200)comprising:
an intake cam shaft (122, 202); the intake cam shaft (122, 202) being configured to actuate an intake rocker arm (108);
one or more connectors (113, 124, 206, 210); the one or more 5 connectors (113, 124, 206, 210) being configured to actuate a crank chain (107);
at least one coupler (111, 210); the at least one coupler (111, 210) being configured to connect with the intake cam shaft (122, 202) and the one or more connectors (113, 124, 206, 210); 10
wherein,
the at least one coupler (111, 208) being configured to operate one or more valves (114) of the engine assembly (100, 200).
2.
The engine assembly (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an actuator(104)being configured to operate the at least one coupler (111, 208) in a15 predetermined operating condition.
3.
The engine assembly (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least onecoupler (111, 208) comprising:
a first portion (111a);
a second portion (111-1); and 20
a third portion (111b);
We claim: We claim:
20
wherein, the first portion (111a) and the third portion (111b) being configured to have one or more apertures (111-2, 111-4, 208a, 208b) of a predetermined cross-section.
4.
The engine assembly (100, 200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first5 portion (111a) and the third portion (111b) being configured to connect theone or more connectors (113, 125, 206, 210) of the engine assembly (100,200).
5.
The engine assembly (100,200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the secondportion (111-1) of the at least one coupler (111, 208) being configured to10 accommodate a bearing (112, 212), wherein the bearing (112 ,212) beingconfigured to connect with an actuator (104) for changing thepredetermined operating conditions of the at least one coupler (111, 208).
6.
The engine assembly (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one ormore connectors (113, 124, 206, 210) comprising:15
a first connector (113, 206);
a second connector (124, 210);
wherein, the first connector (113, 206) and second connector (124, 210) being configured to connect with the one or more apertures (111-2, 111-4, 208a, 208b). 20
21
7.
The engine assembly (100, 200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the firstconnector (113, 206) and the second connector (124, 210) comprising:
at least one mounting provision (113-2, 124-2, 206c, 210d); the at least one mounting provision (113-2, 124-2, 206c, 210d) being configured to accommodate the intake cam shaft (122, 202); 5
at least one elongated portion (113-1, 124-1, 206b, 210a);
wherein,
the at least one elongated portion (113-1, 124-1, 206b, 210a) being configured to connect with the one or more aperture (111-2, 111-4, 208a, 208b) of the at least one 10 coupler (111, 208).