Patent ID: 6732691
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
A system for measuring instability of holding position of a camshaft phaser relative to a position of a crankshaft during operation thereof by an associated internal combustion engine, comprising:a) engine monitoring means including programmable means for receiving signals, and analyzing said signals; b) a camshaft including at least one eccentric lobe extending over an angular portion of said camshaft, said lobe having a rising edge for opening an associated valve of said engine and a falling edge for closing said associated valve; c) a target wheel rotatable by said camshaft; d) first signal-initiating means on said target wheel angularly positioned with respect to said rising portion of said lobe such that a first input signal is initiated by said first means at a first time; e) second signal-initiating means on said target wheel angularly positioned with respect to said falling portion of said lobe such that a second input signal is initiated by said second means at a second time, said second signal-initiated means being angularly offset from said first signal-initiating means; f) a third initiating means such that a third input signal is initiated corresponding to a rotational position of said crankshaft, said engine monitoring means being programmed to receive said first, second and third input signals, to compute therefrom a measured amplitude of said holding position instability.