Patent ID: 7305944
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
1. In an internal combustion engine having oil flow to a plurality of valve train switchable mechanisms controlled by one oil control valve, wherein a lock pin ejection may occur upon a switching command from a controller to undergo a mode change of said plurality of valve train switchable mechanisms controlled by said one oil control valve, a method for distributing at least one lock pin ejection across the population of said plurality of valve train switchable mechanisms, comprising the steps of: a) designating one of said plurality of valve train switchable mechanisms as a first primary mechanism for undergoing said mode change upon said switching command from said controller; b) defining a first predetermined limiting number of events relating to said at least one lock pin ejection for said first primary mechanism to create a first primary action mechanism action trigger; c) employing said first primary mechanism through said first predetermined limiting number of events; d) designating another of said plurality of valve train switchable mechanisms as a successor primary mechanism replacing said first primary mechanism; e) defining a second predetermined limiting number of events relating to said at least one lock pin ejection for said successor primary mechanism to create a successor primary action mechanism action trigger; f) employing said successor primary mechanism through said second predetermined limiting number of events; and g) designating in sequence each of said remaining said plurality of valve train switchable mechanisms as a successor primary mechanism and defining a predetermined limiting number of events for each successor primary mechanism.