Abstract: A method for operating a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes controlling opening of intake or exhaust valves, via a step of generating a control current in a control circuit for an electrical actuator coupled with the valve. The control circuit is then monitored for an induced current that differs from the control current, and a signal outputted that is indicative of valve performance responsive to monitoring the control circuit. Another operating method includes determining engine valve performance and also trimming an engine valve based on one signal which is indicative of valve performance. An internal combustion engine includes an electrical actuator configured to control opening or closing of one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation system having a crank-based eccentric transmission driven by an electric motor to control valve lift, duration, and phasing in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. A rocker sub-assembly for each valve is pivotably disposed on a pivot shaft between the camshaft and the roller finger follower roller. A primary control crankshaft includes the pivot shaft and is itself rotated about its axis by a connecting rod driven by a motorized secondary crank mechanism to displace the rocker sub-assembly pivot shaft along an arcuate path to change the angular relationship of the rocker sub-assembly to the camshaft, thus changing the valve opening and closing timing and valve lift.

Abstract: A system for operating an internal combustion engine with electromechanical valves, the system comprising of a cylinder with at least an electromechanical intake valve and at least an mechanically actuated exhaust valve that can be controlled to adjust valve opening and closing events relative to a crankshaft location; and a controller to adjust said electromechanical valve timing and said mechanically actuated valve timing.

Abstract: An electromagnetically driven valve that is driven by the combined action of electromagnetic force and elastic force includes first and second valve elements that have valve shafts and move in reciprocating motions in the directions in which the valve shafts extend. It also includes first and second oscillating members that extend from driving ends to pivoting ends, and that pivot around respective central axes extending at the respective pivoting ends. The driving ends are operatively linked with the first and second valve elements, respectively. The electromagnetically driven valve also includes first and second coils that cause the first and second oscillating members to oscillate. The first and second coils are interconnected.

Abstract: A mode-switching cam follower is disclosed, wherein the follower includes a body, a cam contact movably coupled to the body, a latch member movably coupled to the body, wherein the latch member is movable between a coupled position in which the cam contact is held in a fixed relation to the body by the latch member and a decoupled position in which the cam contact is decoupled from the latch member and movable relative to the body, and an actuator in communication with the latch member, wherein the actuator comprises a shape memory alloy member

Abstract: A method to improve the performance of an electrically operable mechanical valve actuator is described. The system is capable of providing heat to targeted areas of an actuator so that valve performance may be improved during at least some operating conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve operation can be improved by heating the valves, at least during some conditions.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a flapper valve that is mounted on a shaft for rotation within an exhaust component housing between a closed position, an intermediate position, and an open position. An electric actuator is coupled to the shaft to control movement of the flapper valve. The electric actuator moves the flapper valve to the open position for high speed engine conditions. When engine speeds are lowered, and while all engine cylinders remain active, the electric actuator moves the flapper valve to the intermediate position. Once the flapper valve is in the intermediate position, if an engine cylinder is subsequently deactivated, the electric actuator quickly and quietly moves the flapper valve from the intermediate position to the closed position.

Abstract: An electromagnetically driven valve includes a driven valve having a stem and carrying out reciprocating motion along a direction in which the stem extends, a disc support base having an abutment surface, a disc extending from one end coupled to the stem toward the other end supported by the disc support base so as to allow free oscillation of the disc, and an electromagnet applying electromagnetic force to the disc. The disc has a root portion formed at the other end, and an arm portion formed from the root portion to one end. The electromagnet has a surface facing the arm portion. When the disc is attracted to the electromagnet the abutment surface abuts on the root portion and a gap is created between the surface and the arm portion. With such a structure, excellent quietness and durability can be achieved and energy loss can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for triggering solenoid valves assigned to gas-exchange valves in an electrohydraulic valve activation of an internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion chambers. The solenoid valves assigned to the gas-exchange valves may be activated independently of each other. To this end, crankshaft-synchronous trigger signal for solenoid valves of the internal combustion engine are ascertained in a control unit and transmitted to an output stage. The output stage controls the solenoid valves on the basis of the transmitted trigger signals. Each combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one discharge valve as gas-exchange valve. All solenoid valves of all gas-exchange valves of a combustion chamber form a solenoid-valve set. One activation profile in each case is specified for all solenoid valves of a solenoid valve set.

Abstract: Valve drive for an internal combustion engine having a valve which is axially displaceable between an open position and a closed position and is prestressed by a locking spring in the direction of its closed position, in which a control shaft driven by an electric motor to pivot about a longitudinal axis, has a cam, provided for operating the valve a pressure element that can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and a spring element which prestresses the pressure element and exerts a torque on the control shaft via the pressure element. The mass moment of inertia of the pressure element relative to its pivot axis is greater than the mass moment of inertia of the control shaft and the cam relative to the longitudinal axis of the control shaft. The valve drive so configured provides greater electrical operating efficiency and permits valve actuation to be performed at lower electric motor rotation speeds.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly for a two stroke internal combustion engine having a cylinder with at least one main exhaust port and one auxiliary exhaust port is disclosed. The assembly comprises a main exhaust valve for at least partially closing the main exhaust port, an auxiliary exhaust valve for at least partially closing the auxiliary exhaust port, an actuator for actuating the main exhaust valve and the auxiliary exhaust valve, the actuator including a rotary shaft having a first gear and a second gear, the rotary shaft being operatively connected to the main exhaust valve via the first gear, the rotary shaft being operatively connected to the auxiliary exhaust valve via the second gear, an electric motor operatively connected to the rotary shaft for rotating the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A bi-directional dual coil half bridge converter adapted to be coupled to a dual coil actuator of a cylinder valve in an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the converter has a first and second capacitor and a voltage source, where the converter is actuated via switches to individually energizing coils in said dual coil actuator. A voltage regulator is also shown for maintaining midpoint voltage during unequal loading of different actuator coils in the converter.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve driving device includes a valve actuator operable to drive an engine valve, a hydraulic pump that generates the oil pressure for the valve actuator, a hydraulic pump driving motor that drives the hydraulic pump, and a starter motor. At the time of engine starting, after the hydraulic pump is driven by the hydraulic pump driving motor while the crank is stopped in the first engine-starting mode, and then the crank and the hydraulic pump are driven by the starter motor in the second engine-starting mode.

Abstract: An electromagnetically driven valve that operates by a combination of electromagnetic force and elastic force includes a valve element that has a valve shaft and that reciprocates in directions of extension of the valve shaft, and first and second oscillating members that extend from driving ends to pivoting ends, and that pivot about central axes extending at the pivoting ends. The driving ends are operatively linked with the valve element. An electromagnet oscillates the first and second oscillating members. First and second measuring portions measure at least one of the oscillation angle, the amount of lift and the oscillating speed of the first and second oscillating members. A control portion computes energization control logics based on measurement values provided by the first and second measuring portions, and averages the energization control logics to control energization of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A variable valve timing mechanism comprises a drive shaft including a rocker arm, a control shaft, a stopper, a first spring member and a second spring member. The rocker arm opens and closes at least one of an intake/exhaust valve in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The control shaft changes a position of the rocker arm to continuously change valve lift characteristics of the intake/exhaust valve in response to rotation of the control shaft by driving a control shaft actuator. The stopper regulates an operating range of rotation of the control shaft between upper and lower limits. The first and second spring members urge the control shaft towards the upper and lower limits, respectively. The first and second spring members return the control shaft to a balance position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position when the internal combustion engine stops.

Abstract: A valve timing system for an internal combustion engine includes a phase alteration mechanism interposed between a driving rotator and a driven rotator and having a direction turning point at which the phase alteration direction is reversed when a movable portion of the mechanism travels from a beginning to a termination, and an operation control device for displacing the movable portion when undergoing an energization control, the movable portion being displaced toward the beginning when the energization control fails to be carried out. The rotation phase is set at a middle position between a maximum retard position and a maximum advance position when the movable portion is located at the beginning.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a cylinder of an engine from a spark ignition mode to a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode, the cylinder having at least one electrically actuated intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, the method comprising of before a transition, operating the cylinder with at least some overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve in the spark ignition mode; in response to a transition request, operating the cylinder with at least some negative overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve, retarding the intake valve opening and closing timing by different amounts and retarding ignition timing; and further increasing negative overlap and performing the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine control an actuator in response to variations of intake airflow relative to an average intake airflow to manage induction acoustics. The system and method may include controlling an actuator, such as a throttle valve, to increase intake manifold vacuum in response to intake airflow. In an engine having electronically actuated intake and/or exhaust valves, intake airflow is estimated based on at least engine speed and valve timing and compared to a measured intake airflow to determine a first difference. The measured airflow is divided into a steady-state and transient term or component with a second difference determined based on the transient component and a target value. Throttle valve position is selectively controlled to increase vacuum in response to a combination of the first and second difference to manage induction acoustics.

Abstract: An actuator operation amount setting unit prepares the rotational speed command value for an electric motor such that the phase of an intake valve changes in accordance with the target phase. An electric-motor EDU controls the motor supply electric power such that the electric motor operates in accordance with the rotational speed command value. An overheating determination unit determines whether at least one of the electric motor and the electric-motor EDU needs to be restricted from heating up based on a result of comparison between the information indicating the motor supply electric power and the reference value. A rotational speed command value restriction unit restricts the rotational speed command value provided to the electric-motor EDU to a value within a predetermined range, when it is determined that the at least one of the electric motor and the electric-motor EDU needs to be restricted from heating up.

Abstract: A method to control valves during multi-stroke cylinder operation. Valves are controlled to improve emissions and engine torque resolution.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is described in which a rotor comprising permanent magnet means is rotatable in a stator which is magnetisable by causing an electric current to flow through at least one winding associated with the stator. The rotor has at least two stable rest positions, each defined by spring and/or magnetic forces acting on the rotor. Spring means stores energy during part of the movement of the rotor and provides kinetic energy for accelerating the rotor during subsequent movement thereof away from rest in one position towards another. A magnetic torque is exerted on the rotor when a current flows in said at least one winding which is sufficient to overcome the force(s) holding the rotor in that rest position, to cause the rotor to rotate in a direction from that rest position towards another a rest position. The rotor is connected to a thrust member by a mechanical linkage by which the rotational movement of the rotor is converted into substantially linear movement.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating a non-camshaft driven lift valve (12) of an internal combustion engine (10) includes a reciprocating tappet (20) that is coupled to the lift valve (12), a target ring (26) being attached to the outer circumference of the tappet, the target ring (26) having at least one slit and being made as a separate prefabricated part and consisting of an Fe-based material or of a ferritic material.

Abstract: An electronically controlled valve actuator having a hydraulic lever in the form of a fluid filled chamber, is used to amplify the motion of a magnetic armature and thereby achieve a desired valve displacement with reduced effective travel of the armature, reduced transition time and power consumption while incorporating passive hydraulic lash adjustment in the hydraulic lever mechanism.

Abstract: A variable valve timing controller adjusts valve timing of an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve by varying a motor speed relative to a camshaft. When an engine is running under a predetermined condition, an actual valve timing is calculated based on a cam angle signal and crank angle signal every when the cam angle signal is inputted. A final valve timing is calculated by adding a valve timing variation amount to the actual valve timing at the time the cam angle signal is outputted. The valve timing amount is periodically calculated based on a difference between a motor speed and a rotational speed of the intake camshaft. When the engine is running under another condition, only actual valve timing at the time the cam angle signal is outputted is calculated.

Abstract: An engine control unit diagnoses whether or not a unit that controls a variable valve apparatus is failed, and when it is diagnosed that the unit is failed, the engine control unit shuts off the power supply to a drive circuit for an actuator of the variable valve apparatus.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator including an electromagnet interconnected with a housing end portion and an electric coil disposed adjacent said electromagnet. The electromagnet includes a plurality of interlocked laminae to form a laminate that is similarly interlocked with housing end portions. The housing end portions are interlocked with the laminate with the use of tabs and recesses formed on the laminae and the housing end portions.

Abstract: The electromagnet includes a valve-opening side coil portion supplied with a current to thereby generate a first magnetic flux and generate electromagnetic force in a direction moving the valve-opening side moving element toward a valve-opening position, and a valve-closing side coil portion supplied with a current to thereby generate a second magnetic flux and generate electromagnetic force in a direction moving the valve-closing side moving element toward the valve-closing position. The valve-opening side coil portion and the valve-closing side coil portion are constituted of an identical connection. The electromagnet further has a sub-coil constituted of a separate connection from the valve-opening side coil portion and the valve-closing side coil portion. By the current supply to the sub-coil, a third magnetic flux reducing at least one of the first magnetic flux and the second magnetic flux is generated.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator with an armature stem guidance system that ensures that the armature stem stays aligned with the valve stem during operation. The stem guidance system may also allow for adjustment of the lash gap during assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for fine-tuning the motion of suction or discharge valves associated with cylinders of a reciprocating gas compressor, such as the large compressors used for natural gas transmission. The valve's primary driving force is conventional, but the valve also uses an electromagnetic coil to sense position of the plate (or other plugging element) and to provide an opposing force prior to impact.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature and/or space velocity of exhaust gas provides control of the maximum temperature of the exhaust gas to prevent thermal damage to the Diesel engine components and associated aftertreatment devices during regeneration of the aftertreatment devices. The method includes controlling intake and/or exhaust valve opening timing and duration, either singly or in combination with selective individual cylinder cutout, in response to sensed engine operating parameters.

Abstract: A system for improving engine operation during a condition of engine controller degradation is presented. According to one aspect of the description, the engine may continue to operate if the performance of one engine controller is degraded.

Abstract: In a variable lift valve operating system for an internal combustion engine, an actuator for rotatably driving a control shaft of a variable lift mechanism is mounted on an engine body. The actuator includes an electric motor, a deceleration mechanism, a transmission mechanism interposed between the control shaft and the deceleration mechanism, and a default mechanism. A deceleration mechanism accommodation part for accommodating the deceleration mechanism and a default mechanism accommodation part for accommodating the default mechanism are formed in a casing of the actuator so as to sandwich therebetween a thermally vulnerable part which is directly connected to the control shaft. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the degree of freedom of amounting position of the actuator while heat damage is prevented from generating in the thermally vulnerable part of the actuator.

Abstract: A method for controlling stopping and starting of an engine having a variable event valvetrain is described. According to the method engine valves may be used to reduce engine evaporative emissions as well as engine starting emissions.

Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled to improve engine fuel economy. Further, the method can adjust valve operation to provide air-fuel charge motion and increase combustion stability.

Abstract: An improved electro-hydraulic intake and exhaust valve actuator for a “camless” internal combustion reciprocating engine. The present invention integrates an electric motor driven “plug type” rotary control valve and a single acting hydraulic cylinder in one housing for the actuation of an engine valve. The geometry of the hydraulic ports in the rotary control valve may be tailored for desired valve actuation profiles. The electronic control of the rate of rotation and angular position of the rotary control valve are used to infinitely vary the engine valve operating parameters. Thus, engine valve timing, speed, cycle duration and lift may be varied. A rotary control valve permits high speed operation and accommodates a broad range of valve sizes. Availability of a wide range of commercial open frame brushless electric motors and dedicated integrated circuit controllers contribute to the cost effectiveness of the present design.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a stationary permanent magnet assembly having at least one permanent magnet for generating a permanent magnetic field with a radial component and a movable coil assembly having at least one coil of electrically conductive material for generating a magnetic field with an axial component that intersects the radial component when an electrical current is applied to the at least one coil to thereby move the coil assembly with respect to the permanent magnet assembly. A valve is connected to the coil assembly for movement therewith. Electronic control of the valve assembly together with engine modifications permits the engine to dynamically switch between two-cycle and four-cycle modes of operation.

Abstract: An electric variable valve timing mechanism and a starter are actuated by electricity supplied from a common battery. During an engine starting process, the starter is actuated, and an electronic control unit controls the electric variable valve timing mechanism. The electronic control unit limits the actuation of the electric variable valve timing mechanism on the condition that, during the engine starting process, the voltage value of the battery falls below a predetermined threshold value that degrades the operation of the starter. As a result, the engine is started in a stable manner.

Abstract: A valve-driving system which is applied to an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders for driving an intake or exhaust valve provided in each cylinder, including a plurality of valve-driving apparatuses provided for driving valves of different cylinders of the internal combustion engine, wherein each valve-driving apparatus includes an electrical motor as a driving source for generating rotation motion; and a power transmission mechanism for converting the rotation motion of the electric motor into opening and closing motion of the valve to be driven and for transmitting the opening and closing motion to the valve through a cam or a link.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust system for a dual mode HCCI engine, which provides superior intake temperature control and homogeneity for engine operation in SI and HCCI modes, as well as during transition between SI and HCCI modes and vice-versa. The system includes adjusted intake cam movement event lengths for intake valve operation at specified modes of operation. The system further includes at least one cam profile switching device operatively connected to intake and exhaust valves in an engine for controlling event length, maximum lift, and valve opening/closing timings for the intake and exhaust valves. The system yet further includes a bifurcated intake system and camless valve actuators for controlling intake valves for facilitating operation in SI or HCCI modes, as well as transition between SI and HCCI modes and vice-versa.

Abstract: A linear EMV actuator uses a permanent magnet and an electromagnet in which EMV operation for opening/closing an exhaust valve and an intake valve makes valve operations linear. As a result, the valve undergoes a soft landing and active control of an amount of opening of the valve. The linear EMV actuator includes an upper core and a lower core, an armature, an actuator spring and a valve spring. Also included are a permanent magnet, an upper coil and a lower coil connected to each other in series thereby forming one electromagnet, a displacement sensor, and a position controller.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator having a beginning of stroke damper to damp the impact between the armature stem and the valve stem as the valve is opened. The beginning of stroke damper includes an armature stem defining a stem passage and a valve stem including a lash compensator defining a cavity communicating with the stem passage. An oil pocket may be provided within the cavity to absorb the impact of the armature stem before the armature stem contacts the valve stem as the valve is opened. The lash compensator is configured so that the cavity has a discharge rate sufficient to ensure that the cavity completely drains at approximately the time the engine valve reaches the full open position.

Abstract: A method to control valve patterns in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve drivability and emissions.

Abstract: Actuators, and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators, provide independent lift and timing control with minimum energy consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, an electromechanical actuator comprises a housing, first and second electromagnets rigidly disposed in the housing and separated from each other by an armature chamber, an armature disposed in the armature chamber and movable between the first and second electromagnets, an armature rod rigidly connected with the armature and operably connected with a load, at least one first actuation spring biasing the armature in a first direction, at least one second actuation spring biasing the armature in a second direction, and one fluid-operated spring controller capable of controlling the position of the first-direction end of the at least one second actuation spring. The spring controller allows the actuation springs at their least compressed state and the engine valve closed when engine power is off.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a stator assembly mounted to a center pole formed of material having high magnetic permeability and functions as a return path for the magnetic field generated when current is passed through coils in the stator assembly. When current is applied to one or more coils within the stator assembly, a magnetic field is generated that interacts with a magnetic field generated by one or more magnets disposed within the armature assembly and causes the armature to move relative to the center pole thus, for example, opening or closing a valve.

Abstract: A valve controller includes a detector detecting a shutdown command signal to shutdown an engine, a driving circuit for driving a motor, and a power source controller. The power source controller turns on the driving circuit until the predetermined period has passed since the shutdown command signal is detected. Thus, the valve controller adjusts the valve opening/closing character in such a manner as to be suitable to an engine condition.

Abstract: A valve actuator for an internal combustion engine is described having a core having a wound coil located therein, said core further having at least one permanent magnet located at least partially inside or outside said coil and positioned at an angle relative to a direction of movement of an armature. Further, various recesses, indentations, chamfers, bevels, and/or depressions may be included to affect flux leakage, and/or force generation.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a valve body supported on a shaft for rotation within an exhaust component. The shaft is coupled to a solenoid with a linkage assembly. A controller controls the solenoid to rotate the shaft via the linkage assembly. The solenoid includes a plunger that moves between an actuation position and a release position. The controller utilizes pulse width modulation to control actuation and release of the plunger. This significantly reduces operational noises generated as the solenoid is moved between the actuation position and the release position.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine in a vehicle, the engine having at least a cylinder, is described. The method comprises decreasing rotational speed of the engine; and when said engine speed falls in a specified region, adjusting a valve timing of the cylinder to generate one of expansion or compression braking torque to stop rotation of said engine in a desired range.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a variable valve train capable of altering opening and closing timings and/or opening amounts of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is characterized in that the internal combustion engine is further provided with a negative pressure mechanism that operates using intake pipe negative pressure generated in an intake passage of the internal combustion engine, a throttle valve for adjusting the flow rate of intake air flowing through the intake passage, and negative pressure generating device that controls at least one of the variable valve train and the throttle valve to generate the intake pipe negative pressure, when the intake pipe negative pressure for operation of the negative pressure mechanism is insufficient.