Camshaft: Definition and Function

The first camshaft was described by an Islamic engineer Al-Jazari in 1206 in an automated

water-raising machine.

As per automobiles are concerned Maudslay was the first car to use single overhead camshafts
which were designed by Alexander Craig. These were also used in Marr auto cars in 1903
which was designed by Michigan.

In this article, we will study the Definition, Function, Construction, Working Principle, Types in
detail, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Application in detail. And at the end, you can download
a PDF version of it easily.

What is definition of a Camshaft?

A camshaft is a mechanical device used in an IC engine to perform the opening and
closing action of the inlet and exhaust valve at the right time. The basic function is to convert
rotatory motion into linear motion.

As we know that in an internal combustion engine it is very important that the fuel
should come into the cylinder at the right time and the exhaust gases should also leave the
cylinder at the right moment of time. This function is accomplished with the help of a
camshaft. A camshaft achieves its motion either independently or by the engine crankshaft.

The function of camshaft:

The following three functions are:

1. It promotes the opening of the inlet valve during the suction stroke.
2. The second function is to open the exhaust valve during the exhaust stroke.
3. Lastly, It keeps both the valves closed the rest of the time.
Now we will study construction in detail,

Construction of Camshaft:
The main parts involved in the construction of the camshaft are:

 Driveshaft
 Shaft
 Bearings
 Cam
  Lobes
 Thrust plate
 Chain sprocket and
 Woodruff key

We will study one by one in detail.

Driveshaft:
This is the part of the camshaft that provides motion to the whole assembly is called a drive
shaft. A drive shaft is either connected to the crankshaft with a belt or is operated independently.
In most cases, it is connected with the crankshaft.

Shaft:
The supporting structure which holds all the other components is called a shaft. It is designed to
withstand high fatigue loads when the engine is running.

Bearings:
Bearings are very important elements of it as it holds the shaft in the correct position and also
reduces frictional losses during the operation of the camshaft. It is also provided with an oil inlet
for a constant oil change in the camshaft.

Cam:
Cams are the main parts of the assembly. A cam is so designed that it keeps the valves closed all
the time and opens it by pushing it at the right moment. A cam and follower set are discussed
later in the article.

Lobes:
The main working of lobes is to open and close the valves for intake and exhaust gases. The
speed of the lobe depends on the current engine speed.

Thrust plate:
As you can see in the diagram The thrust plate is on the right side and it is attached between the
cam and timing gear. The thrust plate is mounted on the front cover for proper end play.

Chain sprocket:
It is attached to one end of the camshaft in a combustion engine. This sprocket, along with the
timing belt and the crankshaft sprocket, is responsible for maintaining the timing between
camshaft and crankshaft.

Working of camshaft:
Before understanding the working of the camshaft, it is necessary to understand the working
of cam and follower arrangement which is also the principle behind the working of automobile
camshaft.

Working principle:
The figure shows different stages of cam and follower. The cam is not circular in shape hence
when rotated it lifts the follower up and down. In diagram one, the peak of the cam has lifted the
follower to the fullest. As the cam rotates in an anticlockwise direction the follower drops down
a then again starts rising after the cam has moved by 180 degrees.