Systems, methods and devices for rocker arm position sensing

摘要

A system for monitoring operation of an internal combustion engine having a rocker arm assembly for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The rocker arm assembly includes a first arm with a first end, a second arm also having a first end pivotally connected near the first end of the first arm, a latch that when latched secures the first arm relative to the second arm in a latched mode, and when unlatched allows the first arm to move relative to the second arm in an unlatched mode. The system also employing a sensor attached to one of the first and second arms that can detect when the arms are moving relative to each other, and adapted to provide a signal indicating the sensed movement.

主权项

1. A system for monitoring operation of an internal combustion engine, comprising:
a rocker arm assembly having:
a first arm having a first end;a second arm having a first end, the second arm pivotally connected near the first end of the first arm along a pivot having a pivot axis;a reference structure comprising magnetic material forming at least a portion of the first end of the first arm; anda latch that when latched secures the first arm relative to the second arm in a latched mode, and when unlatched allows the first arm to move relative to the second arm in an unlatched mode;wherein the rocker assembly is adapted to pivot about the pivot axis to open an engine valve and return to a position in which the engine valve is closed; and a sensor positioned near the rocker arm assembly adapted to provide a signal indicating proximity of the reference structure to the sensor.