Dual-pressure hydraulic valve-actuation system

摘要

A system and a method for hydraulic actuation of poppet valves. The poppet valve is opened by application of hydraulic pressure to a piston, and is closed by action of a mechanical spring. Hydraulic pressure comes from either a high pressure source of a low pressure source, the low pressure source being higher than ambient pressure. Application of hydraulic pressure is made by a pressure control device based upon signals received from an electronic controller. Hydraulic pressure is applied in a way that minimizes the power required to actuate the valve by making use of valve inertia.