Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site zehntel.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!ihnp4!zehntel!jackh From: jackh@zehntel.UUCP (jack hagerty) Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: Re: Re: Camless valve operation Message-ID: <1742@zehntel.UUCP> Date: Mon, 14-Jan-85 16:07:00 EST Article-I.D.: zehntel.1742 Posted: Mon Jan 14 16:07:00 1985 Date-Received: Tue, 15-Jan-85 02:30:40 EST References: <6848@watdaisy.UUCP> <1737@zehntel.UUCP> <6852@watdaisy.UUCP> Distribution: net Organization: Zehntel Automation Systems Inc, Walnut Creek CA Lines: 51 > > I realize that this postulates a twin cam engine with rocker arms, a > > rather odious thought to those of us that admire the simplicity of > > the classic twin cam design. But at least that's much more in the realm > > of accepted engine design than solenoid-actuated desmodronic valve trains! > > > > Jack Hagerty, Zehntel Automation Systems > > ...!ihnp4!zehntel!jackh > > > I would like to make a couple of semantic points. First, I don't > know what "desmodronic" means, and neither does my OED. Second, > I have long been on a campaign to stamp out the use of the phrase > "infinitely variable" for "continuously variable". In this context > I am not really complaining, but the term first started to irk me > when manufactures of electric ranges began to tout them as having > "infinite heat" controls. > > To get back to the point at hand, I believe there are many interesting > things one might do with a different mechanism to control the valves > (whether with or without a cam). And I do not believe that this > newsgroup is a forum only for "accepted engine design". > > Gordon V. Cormack, University of Waterloo > > gvcormack@watdaisy.uucp gvcormack%watdaisy@waterloo.csnet Well my goodness, I didn't mean to step on anyone's toes! I just wanted to make the point that solenoid-actuated valves seem unworkable while solenoid *controlled* valves have already made it to production, albiet briefly. I guess we're even because I don't know what OED means. Desmodronic (the spelling may be off) refers to a valve system where the cam (or other acuator) closes the valve as well as opening it. Valve float is impossible since the valves are forced closed. Mercedes used such a system on the 300 SLR. I don't know if it was used on the production cars. I agree with your semantic objections so I'll just consider this a literary slap on the wrist. Finally, I don't want to restrict anyone's freedom to post new and/or unusual ideas. It's just that, as we all know, if you want an idea to get anywhere near production, it can't stray too far from established practice. Even then, and the Cadillac engine is again a good example, there's no guarentee that it will last for long. Pity. - Jack Hagerty, Zehntel Automation Systems ...!ihnp4!zehntel!jackh