- Recently filed a patent for the VVT system
- It could be used for the next-generation offering
- A lower cost setup compared to the rivals
Piaggio has patented a new VVT system that could be used in the next generation of the Aprilia RSV4. Compared to the rivals like Suzuki, which relies on a purely mechanical setup, the Italian firm’s patent reveals a relatively low-cost design.
Piaggio seems to be working on a VVT system with balls located in radial channels fixed in the inlet cam sprocket and a matching drive piece. Since the Aprilia system has only three balls unlike Suzuki’s dozen, the ormer faces less friction and operates with a comparatively simpler design. The cam sprocket and camshaft-mounted drive plate are separated with a thin disc. It has slots for the aforementioned three balls and three W-shaped springs to fit in the drive plate.
Later on, as the camshaft's speed increases, the balls are pushed outwards and turn it by a few degrees in tandem with the sprocket, thereby compressing the springs. Once the revs are low, the springs are back in their original position and the cam timing is also in its original state.
As of now, Piaggio is working on the upcoming VVT system in the early stages. But we expect it to debut on Aprilia’s flagship offering, the RSV4 in the future.
