Type Synthesis of Mechanisms for Variable Valve Actuation

“Variable Valve Actuation” (VVA) refers to any method of opening and closing engine intake and exhaust valves in a way that can be varied during engine operation. This report considers purely mechanical means of producing variable valve actuation. In particular, we tabulate all types of planar mechanisms for converting a single rotational input (camshaft) into an oscillating poppet valve motion, up to 4 moving parts.