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This paper introduces a two-step CDA mechanism equipped with an electro-mechanical switching system, which can be applied to OHC valve trains with end pivot rocker arms, and can operate two valves simultaneously with a single cam. The electro-mechanical switching system is driven by a dedicated solenoid, so the latching and unlatching processes are not affected by the temperature and pressure of the engine oil. Therefore, not only the dynamic stability can be secured at the time of mode switching but also the operation delay time can be kept short enough. To verify the effect of the CDA system on the fuel economy, a four-cylinder 2.0L gasoline engine with the intake port injection was selected and tested on an engine dynamometer. The effect of the present apparatus was evaluated by measuring the fuel economy of the engine in the two test modes: Federal Test Procedure-75 (FTP-75) and Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

This paper introduces a two-step variable valve actuation (VVA) mechanism equipped with an electronic switching system, which can be applied to OHC valve trains with end pivot rocker arms. The electronic switching system is driven by a dedicated solenoid and is not affected by the temperature or pressure of the engine oil. Therefore, not only can the dynamic stability be secured at the time of mode switching but the operation delay time can also be kept short enough. Several models of two-step VVA mechanisms were fabricated and the operability of the mechanism and switching system was experimentally confirmed. The two-step VVA mechanism developed in this study can also be used as a cylinder deactivation (CDA) system by assigning the lift of the low-speed cam to be zero. By attaching a roller to the portion of the rocker arm that is in contact with the base cam, the problem of pad wear, which is often present in CDA mechanism, is also fundamentally solved.

Electromagnetic valve (EMV) actuation system is a new technology for the improvement of fuel efficiency and the reduction of emissions in SI engines. It can provide more flexibility in valve event control compared to conventional variable valve actuation devices. However, a more powerful and efficient actuator design is needed for this technology to be applied in mass production engines. This paper presents the effects of design and operating parameters on the thermal, static and dynamic performances of the actuator. The finite element method (FEM) and computer simulation models are used in predicting the solenoid forces, dynamic characteristics and thermal characteristics of the actuator. Effect of design parameters and operating environment on the actuator performance were verified before making prototypes using the analytical models. To verify the accuracy of the simulation model, experimental study is also carried out on a prototype actuator.

One of the major tendencies in engine design is to increase operating speed. In order to increase engine speed, the importance of valve train design and dynamic behavior becomes crucial. Optimal design of the system can result in improved dynamic characteristics. A valve train design methodology is developed in this paper that incorporates an efficient, accurate dynamic system model in the design procedure. The cam profile is synthesized using eight polynomial equations cast in terms of nine nondimensional parameters which are to be optimized. The objective function is cast so as to minimize the residual vibration amplitude of the valve. Several constraints are included such as event duration, maximum tappet lift, maximum tappet velocity, and maximum tappet acceleration.. An adaptive random search technique is used to seek global optimal solutions to the problem. The design methodology was applied to a typical NASCAR valve train and significant increases in engine speed were obtained.

A numerical modeling technique is proposed for computer simulations of high speed valve train dynamics. The dynamic terms in the valve spring reaction forces are calculated using linear vibration theory for given kinematic valve motions. Because the spring dynamics are analyzed before the time stepping integration, spring surge phenomena can be included without using additional computer time. Consequently, valve train dynamics can be simulated very quickly without noticeable errors in accuracy. The experimental results prove the computer model developed here is accurate and also computationally efficient.