Designs for a new, quick-response, latching electromagnetic valve

Fixed timing of cylinder valve events with respect to piston motion in an internal combustion engine results in a compromise between fuel economy, emissions, and torque. A variable valve timing, however, permits optimization of the balance between these output standards at different engine conditions. Automobile companies have designed and tested conventional solenoid-type engine valve actuators to achieve variable valve timing, but these designs have suffered the inherent problem of high energy consumption. This study introduces a new electromagnetic engine valve actuator that uses permanent magnets to latch the valve position and thereby reduce the consumption of power