Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2025

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Pete Woytowitz

Abstract

This project explores the feasibility of replacing a traditional camshaft driven system with an electronically actuated camless design for internal combustion engines. The primary motivation is to improve engine efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend the relevance of combustion engines in a future leaning toward electrification. Traditional camshaft systems limit engine responsiveness and efficiency due to fixed valve timing. Our camless solution addresses these limitations by using solenoids controlled by microcontrollers to open and close the valves based on the crankshaft position. We developed a modular prototype that integrates both analog and digital hall effect sensors for crank angle detection, dual microcontrollers for real time control and monitoring, and a solenoid-based actuation system. The system achieved valve timing with an accuracy of 6° to 8° and successfully demonstrated all four strokes of an engine cycle while operating within specified voltage and power constraints. However, the design exceeded intended size limitations and struggled to maintain performance at high RPMs and elevated temperatures. Despite these constraints, the project validates the potential camless systems for small scale engine applications.

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