Electronically actuated valve system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine, the valve assembly comprising:
- a valve stem;
a shape memory alloy actuator in operative communication with the valve stem;
a coolant passage through which at least a portion of the shape memory alloy actuator extends; and
a cooling fluid source in communication with the coolant passage.
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Abstract
An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, a shape memory alloy actuator in operative communication with the valve stem, a coolant passage through which at least a portion of the shape memory alloy actuator extends, and a cooling fluid source in communication with the coolant passage.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine, the valve assembly comprising:
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a valve stem; a shape memory alloy actuator in operative communication with the valve stem; a coolant passage through which at least a portion of the shape memory alloy actuator extends; and a cooling fluid source in communication with the coolant passage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine, the valve assembly comprising:
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an arm member; a pivot disposed at a first location on the arm member; a valve stem coupled to the arm member at a second location on the arm member;
a shape memory alloy actuator operatively coupled with the arm member at a location between the valve stem and the pivot; anda coolant passage through which a portion of the shape memory alloy extends. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. In an apparatus comprising an internal combustion engine with an electronic valve actuation system, the valve actuation system comprising a shape memory alloy, a method of operating the actuator, comprising:
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causing a first change of flow of an electrical current through the shape memory alloy, thereby causing a first dimensional change in the shape memory alloy; and causing a second change of flow of an electrical current through the shape memory alloy and exposing the shape memory alloy to a cooling fluid, thereby causing a second dimensional change in the shape memory alloy. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification