CAM
LOBE
is shown with four major components:
CAM NOSE,
CAM RAMP,
BASE CIRCLE &
CAM LIFT, shown at .306". The CAM RAMPS are "acceleration" and
"deceleration" with specific and precisely calculated profiles aimed at
"controlled" opening and closing of the valve, in a quick, long and
smooth manner. Sounds easy, but isn't. Mass, inertia, harmonics and
physical constraints imposed by the cam's bearing journal diameter and
cam follower diameter, dictate limits that challenge good cam designers
daily. The YELLOW line depicts the cam lobe's centerline of design.
Traditional profiles of old designs had identical and opposite
(symmetrical) profiles on either side of this line; where newer, high
tech profiles displace separate opening and closing profiles
(asymmetrical). Such designs usually open the valve quickly and set the
valve down more gently.
Double Click on:
CAM LOBE,
CAM BASE CIRCLE,
CAM NOSE,
ACCELERATION RAMP for more info, or see:
DEFINITIONS.
