Patent ID: 7823549

Claim:
A switchable valvetrain system comprising: a control unit; a pressure regulator valve responsive to control signals from said control unit; a pressurized fluid source in communication with said pressure regulator valve; a switchable valvetrain component having a latching mechanism and a lubrication circuit both in selective communication with said pressurized fluid source through said pressure regulator valve; and wherein said pressure regulator valve is operable to selectively and variably communicate fluid pressure at least three different pressure levels including a first fluid pressure below an activation fluid pressure required to effect latching of the latching mechanism, and said pressure regulator valve is further operable to prevent the communication of fluid pressure from said pressurized fluid source to said latching mechanism and said lubrication circuit in response to control signals from said control unit to adequately lubricate the switchable valvetrain system while limiting fluid flow and associated losses.