Development of a switching roller finger follower for cylinder deactivation in internal combustion engines

• Main Authors: Zurface Austin Robert, Radulescu Andrei Dan
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 28.02.2017
• Subjects: BLASTING; CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; STEAM ENGINES; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; WEAPONS

A system for selectively deactivating engine valves of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The system employs switching rocker assemblies between the valves of the engine and rotating cam lobes. The disclosed design is able to operate using a single cam lobe per valve. The rocker assembly employs a first arm pivotally attached to a second arm at one end. The first arm engages the valve and the second arm has a roller bearing that engages the cam lobe. A latch causes the first and second arm to move in unison following the cam surface when latched. When unlatched, the second arm follows and moves according to the rotating cam surface, but the first arm does not follow and does not actuate the valve, thereby deactivating the cylinder.