An engine assembly includes a control module configured to receive a torque request and an engine configured to produce an output torque in response to the torque request. The control module includes a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for supervisory model predictive control. The control module includes a multi-layered structure with an upper-level (“UL”) optimizer module configured to optimize at least one system-level objective and a lower-level (“LL”) tracking control module configured to maintain at least one tracking parameter. The multi-layered structure is characterized by a decoupled cost function such that the UL optimizer module minimizes an upper-level cost function (CF.sub.UL) and the LL tracking control module minimizes a lower-level cost function (CF.sub.LL). The system-level objective may include minimizing fuel consumption of the engine and the tracking parameter may include delivering the torque requested to engine.

Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed that include an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and at least one camshaft for opening at least one valve associated with the at least one cylinder. The camshaft includes a cam with a cam lobe defining a cam lobe profile having a base circle portion on a base circle of the cam lobe, a main cam lobe portion, and a low lift dwell portion that extends a constant height from the base circle along a substantial portion of the base circle to increase valve opening overlap and cylinder scavenging.

A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a driving rotation member to which rotation of a crankshaft is transmitted, a driven rotation member coupled to a camshaft so as to be rotatable relative to the driving rotation member, an electric motor having a motor output shaft to cause rotation of the driven rotation member relative to the driving rotation member, a cover member arranged axially facing a front end portion of the motor output shaft and an electromagnetic induction type rotational angle detection mechanism disposed between the motor output shaft and the cover member so as to detect a rotational angle of the motor output shaft. The rotational angle detection mechanism has a detected part provided to the front end portion of the motor output shaft and a detecting part provided to a portion of the cover member axially facing the detected part.

A two-stroke internal combustion engine has an engine block having a cylinder block and a cylinder head. The cylinder block defines a cylinder, an exhaust passage, and an exhaust valve passage. The engine also has a piston, an exhaust valve actuator operatively connected to at least one of the cylinder block and the cylinder head, and a reciprocating exhaust valve disposed at least in part in the exhaust valve passage. The exhaust valve has a shaft operatively connected to a valve actuator, and a blade connected to the shaft. A channel is defined along a face of the blade. The channel and a wall of the exhaust valve passage together define at least in part a valve passage. The valve passage permits flow of exhaust gas along the face of the blade. A width of the valve passage is at least a third of a width of the blade.

A method for adjusting a valve lash in an internal combustion engine includes receiving a first signal generated by a sensor secured to the internal combustion engine, the first signal being indicative of a closing of a valve, receiving a second signal indicative of at least one of an engine speed of the internal combustion engine or a position of a camshaft of the internal combustion engine, and automatically determining an adjusted amount of lash associated with the valve based on the received first signal and the received second signal. The method also includes comparing the adjusted amount of lash to at least one predetermined threshold, and providing, in response to determining that the adjusted amount of lash is greater than the at least one predetermined threshold, a valve lash re-adjustment notification.

This invention describes a variable valve timing mechanism which may be fitted to an internal combustion engine to provide precise control over timing of the valve opening and closing events of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft. Various methods for its application are described to provide settable valve timing at either predetermined angle selected by the operator, or automatic variable valve timing as governed by parameters of the operating engine. Said mechanism comprised of oppositely located idler rollers, whereas not bound to a single yoke or carrier, are driven by a cam to achieve independent movement of the rollers, which bear against both tension and slack sides of the belt between the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys causing predictable and repeatable variation in valve timing. Thus, this invention, whereby coordinated but non-uniform movements of the idler rollers is achieved by the mechanical appurtenances described herein, including a specially developed cardioid cam to actuate said idler rollers, produces precise changes in camshaft phase angle.

The present disclosure relates to a camless engine in which a camless system is configured for controlling one or more engine valves of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system comprises a pneumatic accumulator configured to store compressed air, and at least one pneumatic actuator having a piston rod. The pneumatic actuator is configured for abutment with the engine valves of the internal combustion engine. The system further comprises at least one pneumatic control valve fluidly connected between the pneumatic accumulator and the pneumatic actuator, a sensor configured to sense an engine parameter and to transmit a signal to actuate the pneumatic control valves and an electronic control unit configured to control the pneumatic valves based on the signal received from the sensor.

A valve opening and closing timing control device includes a driving-side rotating body, a driven-side rotating body, a stopper configured to determine a mechanical limit of a displacement region of a relative rotation phase, a phase control mechanism configured to change the relative rotation phase, and a control unit configured to control the electric motor so as to displace the actual phase detected by a phase sensor. A limit phase at which the stopper reaches an abutting state is set in advance when rotation of the electric motor is stopped while the internal combustion engine operates. Upon executing stop control of stopping the internal combustion engine, except when the actual phase is already the limit phase, the control unit executes braking control of limiting the rotation of the electric motor by controlling an electric current to be supplied to the electric motor.

A fully variable valve train with a rotary plunger for an internal combustion engine. A motor actuates a high-pressure oil injection pump; when a timing driven electromagnetic valve connected to an oil inlet is opened, high-pressure oil enters a hydraulic cylinder; and when the force applied to a plunger by the hydraulic oil is larger than the force of a valve returning spring, the plunger is pushed to move down, so that a valve is opened. When the valve is required to be return, the timing driven electromagnetic valve connected to the oil inlet is closed, and the timing driven electromagnetic valve connected to the oil inlet is opened; the valve moves up under the action of the valve spring, pushing the plunger to move up and thereby discharging the low-pressure oil out of the hydraulic cylinder, then the plunger and the valve return to the initial positions.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods to compensate for backlash within a cam phasing system. For example, compensating for backlash by commanding a predetermined amount of additional actuator movement to account for backlash within a cam phaser. According to some aspects, a spring is provided within a cam phaser to unidirectionally take up the backlash within the cam phasing system.