An investigation of cam-roller mechanism applied in sphere cam engine

• Published in: Journal of Central South University Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 825 - 833
• Main Authors: Zhang, Lei, Pan, Cun-yun, Xu, Xiao-jun, Xu, Hai-jun, Zhang, Zheng-zhou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Changsha Central South University 01.04.2016
• Subjects: Control Science and Information Engineering; Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Metallic Materials; sphere cam engine; kinetic analysis; hybrid electrical vehicle; cam-roller mechanism
• ISSN: 2095-2899; 2227-5223
• DOI: 10.1007/s11771-016-3129-6

As an alternative power source for hybrid electrical vehicle(HEV), electric generating system(EGS) driven by sphere cam engine(SCE) is said to own higher power density and integration. In this work, the structure and working principle of EGS were introduced, based on which the advantages of EGS were displayed. The profile of sphere cam was achieved after the desired motion of piston was given. After establishing the dynamic model of power transmission mechanism, the characteristics of cam-roller mechanism were studied. The results show that the optimal cam profile of SCE is a sinusoid curve which has two peaks and two valleys and a mean pressure angle of 47.19°. Because of the special cam shape, the trace of end surface center of piston is an eight-shape curve on a specific sphere surface. SCE running at speed of 3000 r/min can generate the power of 33.81 kW, which could satisfy the need of HEVs. However, the force between cylinder and piston skirt caused by Coriolis acceleration can reach up to 1182 N, which leads to serious wear between cylinder liner and piston skirt and may shorten the lifespan of SCE.