A method and apparatus for automated valve spring assembly includes a head assembly with a pair of elongated passageways that moveably support a pair of retainer keys for movement through the passageways. The head assembly including a moveable divider plate and a pair of jaws, a push member that closes off the passageways and that slides the retainer keys along opposite sides of the divider plate. The retainer keys contact surfaces of the jaws and rotate the jaws outwardly as the keys are moved by the pushrod. The retainer plate is then retracted, and the jaws shift inwardly and push or position the retainer keys on the valve stem where the retainer plate is configured to allow sequential engagement of the rings of the retainer keys to engage the valve stem.

A method and apparatus for automated valve spring assembly includes a head assembly with a pair of elongated passageways that moveably support a pair of retainer keys for movement through the passageways. The head assembly including a moveable divider plate and a pair of jaws, a push member that closes off the passageways and that slides the retainer keys along opposite sides of the divider plate. The retainer keys contact surfaces of the jaws and rotate the jaws outwardly as the keys are moved by the pushrod. The retainer plate is then retracted, and the jaws shift inwardly and push or position the retainer keys on the valve stem where the retainer plate is configured to allow sequential engagement of the rings of the retainer keys to engage the valve stem.

Methods and systems are provided for cylinder valves of an internal combustion engine. In one example, a valve assembly may include a poppet valve and a valve spring. The valve spring includes a plurality of legs adapted to engage with an annular groove of the valve spring in order to couple the valve spring to the poppet valve.

Methods and systems are provided for cylinder valves of an internal combustion engine. In one example, a valve assembly may include a poppet valve and a valve spring. The valve spring includes a plurality of legs adapted to engage with an annular groove of the valve spring in order to couple the valve spring to the poppet valve.

A head assembly for an internal combustion engine includes an electromagnetic valve actuation system. The head has an intake or exhaust passage defined therein. A valve is disposed in the passage and is operable to selectively open and close the passage. The head has a cooling passage defined therein for passage of a cooling fluid. An electromagnetic actuator has a piston in mechanical communication with the valve and a coil in fluid communication with the cooling passage. The electromagnetic actuator is operable to move the valve between a closed and an open position.

A head assembly for an internal combustion engine includes an electromagnetic valve actuation system. The head has an intake or exhaust passage defined therein. A valve is disposed in the passage and is operable to selectively open and close the passage. The head has a cooling passage defined therein for passage of a cooling fluid. An electromagnetic actuator has a piston in mechanical communication with the valve and a coil in fluid communication with the cooling passage. The electromagnetic actuator is operable to move the valve between a closed and an open position.

Methods and systems are provided for a valve spring retainer of a valvetrain assembly. In one example, valve spring retainer may be at least partially hollowed and include inner cavities forming channels within a material of the valve spring retainer. Air inside the inner cavities may be fluidly coupled to air surrounding the valve spring retainer through channels. A mass of the valve spring retainer may be decreased and a cost and speed of fabrication of the valve spring retainer may be reduced by additive manufacturing.

Methods and systems are provided for a valve spring retainer of a valvetrain assembly. In one example, valve spring retainer may be at least partially hollowed and include inner cavities forming channels within a material of the valve spring retainer. Air inside the inner cavities may be fluidly coupled to air surrounding the valve spring retainer through channels. A mass of the valve spring retainer may be decreased and a cost and speed of fabrication of the valve spring retainer may be reduced by additive manufacturing.

There is provided a variable valve apparatus including: a plurality of rocker arms; a coupling pin disposed in a housing hole of the rocker arm closer to one side; a release pin disposed in a housing hole of the rocker arm closer to the other side; a pressing member; a transmission member; and a push-back member disposed so as to push back the transmission member from the other side. The pressing member is configured to push the coupling pin into the housing hole of the rocker arm closer to the other side to couple the plurality of rocker arms. The transmission member is configured to push back the coupling pin into the housing hole of the rocker arm closer to the one side to release a coupling of the plurality of rocker arms.

Systems and methods related to eliminating the common pivot-type rocker arm and reversing the use of the valve spring in internal combustion engines. More specifically, the camshaft lobes activate a sliding valve arm to close the engine valve instead of opening it and the valve spring is used to push open the valve instead of closing it.