Koenigsegg free valve technology

[Pat Conlon]

Recently I was peeking under a cover at an unnamed motorcycle shop and noticed a FJ cylinder head with the cams missing and all the cam journals milled out and recessed into the head, some sort of strange valve actuators with small hydraulic lines running to them.
Hmmmm, no cams?

Then last week, I saw this in my news feed:  http://www.popsci.com/9-greatest-innovations-in-automotives-this-year

Further investigations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4p-55a3WV8

[FJmonkey]

EFI for the FJ and now this as a possibility, mind blowing Pat....

[fj1289]

Hmmmm......I bet the megasquirt controllers already have enough computing power and look up tables available to handle this with just a bit of code change......

[TexasDave]

As Artie Shaw used to say "Verrrry Interesting". As the racebikes already use a tank and air springs on their valves we might see this tech used on them very soon.

Dave

[JPaganel]

Hmmmm......I bet the megasquirt controllers already have enough computing power and look up tables available to handle this with just a bit of code change......

Computing power they have.

What they don't have is the electronics to run the electrics. So, you need another board and some more wires.

[gumby302ho]

 Its very interesting tech, one would think that these actuaters would have to be mega robust in order to replace the camshaft, so long precise gear driven cams maybe, talk about best profile money can buy. They got the name wrong I think, it should be the free cam and nick name them the freak! Imagine how many profiles you could have with a push of a button or a lockout for those with teenagers, only 50hp power for you tonight Billy, fuck dad.

[JPaganel]

Its very interesting tech, one would think that these actuaters would have to be mega robust in order to replace the camshaft, so long precise gear driven cams maybe, talk about best profile money can buy.

They are pneumatic pistons. No cams at all. It's basically a heavy duty version of the fuel injector, only with air cylinders instead of solenoids.

They got the name wrong I think, it should be the free cam and nick name them the freak!

More like "Cam-free"

Imagine how many profiles you could have with a push of a button or a lockout for those with teenagers, only 50hp power for you tonight Billy, fuck dad.

[Pat Conlon]

Hmmmm......I bet the megasquirt controllers already have enough computing power and look up tables available to handle this with just a bit of code change......

Sure, makes perfect sense. Injectors timed to the valve event, all in one box.

[racerrad8]

I have not been able to watch the video yet. What air pressure is that running and what is the air pressure source?

Or is it oil pressure driven like the injectors on many diesel engines?

Randy - RPM

[Pat Conlon]

3 lines: 1) air in, 2) air out 3) oil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppKy6Qp5pLU

[racerrad8]

Watch the valve float at about 1:36 when the springs start to turn....

https://youtu.be/nsa6kq-qqIE

You want the valves to turn like this so they do not pit the seat or the valve. It starts around :56

https://youtu.be/vcyT18qk8ls

Electric/oil/air valves eliminate this valve float...F1 has been using this technology for years. That is how a F1 engine can turn close to 20k plus

This shit is bad ass...CRANK UP THE VOLUME (click the boxes off the video if they pop up)
https://youtu.be/iWSt4CDNvgQ


Randy - RPM

[fj1289]

I'd think the logical progression would be to eliminate the spring altogether and "pull" the valve shut with the actuator -- the ultimate evolution of the "desmo" valve train

[TexasDave]

I'd think the logical progression would be to eliminate the spring altogether and "pull" the valve shut with the actuator -- the ultimate evolution of the "desmo" valve train

The racebikes that are running now already have eliminated metal springs and run air springs. Like Randy said that is to allow them to turn very high rpm's with no valve float. It would be interesting to know what psi the supply tank is and what psi is used to operate the valves. With the tank and air spring system already installed it wouldn't require much work to install air valves instead of the air springs they are currently running. Imagine tuning for a specific ambient air temp and altitude on race day just before the race starts.

Dave

[TexasDave]

                                             10 years in the future

These Koenigsegg free valve technology bikes are great. Air driven valves so no camshaft to wear out. No cam chain to stretch. No shims to adjust. Can rev to 20,000 rpm because no valve float. Smaller and lighter motor. Room for two carbon fiber HPA(high pressure air) tanks under the seat. Nice and small-- same tanks they use on paintball guns. Just filled from my 3000psi scuba tank. Should be good for a couple hundred miles powering my valves. Need to check my phone and see if there are any scuba shops or paintball stores open along the way to get them refilled. Could store a couple more in the saddle bags or mount a 60 cubic foot SCBA(self contained breathing apparatus) tank like the fireman use on the passenger seat. That should get me a good ways down the road. Wait a minute---could take the better half with me. She always seems to have plenty of hot air........

    Dave

[ribbert]

                                             10 years in the future

...... Wait a minute---could take the better half with me. She always seems to have plenty of hot air........

    Dave

....or wait for an election debate and get a couple of trips around the globe.

Noel