Patent ID: 8646423
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: B60K,F01L,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A powertrain assembly comprising: a hybrid propulsion system including an electric motor configured to at least partially power propulsion of a vehicle during a first operating mode; and an internal combustion engine configured to at least partially power propulsion of the vehicle during a second operating mode and including: an intake valve lift mechanism supported on the engine structure and engaged with the intake valve, the intake valve lift mechanism operable in a first lift mode and a second lift mode, the intake valve lift mechanism providing a first intake valve opening profile during the first lift mode and providing a second intake valve opening profile different than the first intake valve opening profile during the second lift mode, wherein the first lift mode includes an intake valve opening duration that is greater than an intake valve opening duration provided by the second lift mode, wherein the first lift mode includes the intake valve closing at least 275 degrees of crankshaft rotation after a top dead center position of an intake stroke of a piston located in the combustion chamber, wherein the second lift mode includes an opening duration of the intake valve corresponding to at least 225 degrees of crankshaft rotation, wherein the first lift mode includes a first intake valve lift height that is greater than a second intake valve lift height provided by the second lift mode, wherein the second intake valve lift height is 50 percent to 75 percent of first intake valve lift height; and a control module in communication with the internal combustion engine and the hybrid propulsion system, the control module operating the internal combustion engine in the first lift mode during starting of the internal combustion engine and the first lift mode providing a greater opening of the intake valve than the second lift mode; and a camshaft supported on the engine structure and engaged with the intake valve lift mechanism, the engagement between the camshaft and the intake valve lift mechanism providing the first and second intake valve opening profiles.