Abstract
The multiple-link mechanism adopted for the variable valve event and lift(VVEL) system is connected mechanically from the drive shaft to the output cam, providing high-speed and friction characteristics superior to those of other similar types of variable valve lift systems commercialized to date. It was necessary to develop new technologies for ensuring the reliability of the many different types of sliding parts used in the VVEL system.
This paper describes the outline and application examples of newly developed lubrication analysis methodology which is applied to optimization of the shapes of sliding surfaces and link parts in order to realize reliability and low friction simultaneously. In this analysis methodology, various types of simulation techniques such as mechanism analysis, dynamic stress analysis, EHL analysis and simulations for predicting oil flow rates were combined to quantify the complex types of force inputs, contract pressure distributions and sliding velocity changes.
