Patent ID: 6694934
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
A variable valve actuation assembly for use in an internal combustion engine of the type having valve means for controlling the flow to and from a combustion chamber, and a camshaft rotating in timed relationship to the events in the combustion chamber, said camshaft including a concentric portion, disposed to be concentric relative to an axis of rotation of said camshaft, and an eccentric portion disposed to be eccentric relative to said axis of rotation of said camshaft, said eccentric portion defining an axis; said valve actuation assembly including means defining a cam follower surface operable to provide opening and closing movement of said valve means in response to cyclic downward and upward movement of said cam follower surface; said valve actuation assembly further including a cam member rotatably disposed about said concentric portion of said camshaft and including a cam surface disposed to be in engagement with said cam follower surface, characterized by:(a) said valve actuation assembly further comprising an arm assembly disposed in surrounding relationship about said eccentric portion of said camshaft; (b) said arm assembly defining a longitudinal axis intersecting said axis defined by said eccentric portion and perpendicular thereto; (c) said arm assembly defining a longitudinal slot receiving said eccentric portion whereby said arm assembly is free to move transversely relative to said eccentric portion; (d) said arm assembly defining a first, relatively fixed pivot location and a second pivot location, said first and second pivot locations being longitudinally, oppositely disposed about said eccentric portion; and (e) said cam member defining a connection location pivotally connected to said second pivot location of said arm assembly whereby eccentric movement of said eccentric portion about said axis of rotation of said camshaft causes said arm assembly to pivot about said first, relatively fixed pivot location, causing oscillating rotation of said cam member.