Electrohydraulics improve with new lift-control strategy

Fuel consumption, torque delivery, and emissions can all be improved through flexible control of the valve timing, duration, and lift.

Although significant numbers of engine valve-actuation systems including cam-based and camless mechanisms have been introduced by several researchers and companies, only a few types of these systems (mainly cam-based) have been employed commercially due to liability, durability, and cost issues.

While cam-based valve systems offer more reliable and durable functionality, camless valvetrains can vary valve lift and timings to a greater extent compared to cam-based types. Among various categories of camless mechanisms, the electrohydraulic valve-actuation system is the most repeatable and durable one.