Cam-less Engines

The internal combustion engine (ICE) finds its place in the market with latest design modifications in various components to improve efficiency, economy and overall performance. However, one component has remained unchanged in the internal combustion engine development i.e., the camshaft, has been the primary means of controlling the valve actuation and timing, and therefore, influencing the overall performance of the vehicle. Cam-less technology is capturing the future of internal combustion engines. It has been known to man that if valves could be controlled independently in an Internal Combustion Engine then there would be benefits like increased power, reduced emissions and increased fuel economy. In the cam-less technology valve motion is operated by valve actuators of electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic type.
Introduction: Cams, lifters, push-rods all these things have up until now been associated with the internal combustion engine. But the end is near or these lovely shiny metal objects that comprise the valve train
hardware in your pride and joy. Camless engine technology is soon to be a reality for mass-produced vehicles. In the camless valvetrain, the valve motion is controlled directly by a valve actuator - there's no camshaft or connecting mechanisms. Various studies have shown that a camless valve train can eliminate many otherwise necessary engine design trade-offs.Automotive engines equipped with camless valvetrains of the electrohydraulic and electro-mechanical type have been studied for over twenty years, but production vehicles with such engines are still not available.
Cam-less Valve-train Operation: The types of camless variable valve actuating systems being developed can be classed in two groups: electrohydraulic and electromechanical. When it comes to electromechanical valve trains, there are several designs that are being trialed. Most developers are using the conventional poppet valve system (ie valves that look the same as in today's engines) but an alternative is a ball valve set up. Both use electromagnets in one way or another to open and close the valve. Originally created for the Apollo space program, the electrohydraulic valve actuator works by sending pressurised hydraulic fluid to the engine valve to move it open or closed. These systems are mainly retain poppet valves and are preferred by truck engine manufacturers.