Patent ID: 8584631
Filing Date: 2013-11-19
Classification: F01L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A continuously variable valve lift system for actuating a combustion valve of an internal combustion engine, said continuously variable valve lift system comprising: an engine camshaft having an engine camshaft lobe, said engine camshaft lobe being rotatable about an engine camshaft axis of rotation; a rocker assembly that is pivotable for providing reciprocating motion to said combustion valve, said rocker assembly having a rocker assembly input member for receiving motion from said engine camshaft lobe and a rocker assembly output member for transmitting motion to said combustion valve; a control shaft rotatable about a control shaft axis of rotation, wherein rotation of said control shaft about said control shaft axis of rotation changes the position of said rocker assembly, thereby varying the lift of said combustion valve; an actuator for selectively rotating said control shaft between a minimum lift position and a maximum lift position; and a bias spring surrounding said control shaft axis of rotation for biasing said control shaft only from said minimum lift position to a predetermined position which is intermediate said minimum lift position and said maximum lift position upon failure of said actuator.