World's First Camshaft with Integrated Bearing Chairs

Today’s camshaft bearings are generally of two-piece design. The associated disadvantages, such as split bearings, complex machining of the bearing tunnel, bolted-on bearing caps, complex integration of rolling-contact bearings and limited material variability can be eliminated by integrating the bearing chairs into the camshaft. ThyssenKrupp Presta has developed the world’s first such cylinder head concept and filed for patent protection.

This innovative technology offers a variety of advantages:

• Improved hydrodynamics thanks to closed bearing systems
• Simple integration of rolling-contact bearings
• Combination of rolling- and sliding-contact bearings on one shaft possible
• No deformation of bearings through bearing caps
• Efficient, optimized use of material for cylinder head and bearings
• No restrictions on bearing diameter due to cylinder head machining
• Lower costs for cylinder head machining and camshaft installation
• Width of bearings (optimized use of material) can be adapted to stresses
• Number of bearings can be matched to bending line and critical rpm

This cylinder head concept also offers wide-reaching benefits to OEMs. The use of a complete system (cylinder head and camshaft) lowers costs, reduced friction losses cut fuel consumption, and the elimination of sealing faces enhances product quality.