Daido Steel (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

small mechanism controls the timing of the entire engine system. What is an eccentric shaft gear?

■ 1. What is a Camshaft Gear? A camshaft gear is a gear installed on the camshaft in an engine. It transmits power from the crankshaft to the camshaft to control the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves in sync with the movement of each piston. Although it may seem like a small component, the precision of the camshaft gear directly affects the "engine timing," which influences combustion, torque, performance, and fuel efficiency. ■ 2. How Does a Camshaft Gear Work in an Engine System? In a four-stroke engine, the crankshaft rotates twice for every one rotation of the camshaft, meaning the camshaft gear must have a 2:1 ratio to maintain the correct timing of the valves relative to the piston positions. If this timing is off by even a single tooth, it can cause the valves to open and close at the wrong time, leading to vibrations, noise, or abnormal engine operation. ■ 3. Why is the Precision of a Camshaft Gear Important? A camshaft gear requires: - Precision in gear teeth: To ensure consistent rotation without jerking. - Durable materials: To withstand torque and wear over time. - Secure engagement with the belt or chain: Must be robust to avoid slipping or shifting during continuous operation. Well-designed engine systems pay attention to small details like this gear because excessive backlash or wear can immediately reduce performance. ■ 4. Camshaft Gears in High-Performance Engines In high-performance engines or systems with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), the camshaft gear must work in conjunction with electrical or hydraulic control systems to dynamically change the valve timing. Therefore, the gears used must: - Withstand high impact and torque. - Respond quickly without delay. - Have high surface hardness but maintain toughness in the core. Some models may have special surface treatments like Nitriding or DLC to increase durability and reduce friction. ■ 5. Camshaft Gears in Automotive Engineering In designing valve actuation systems, engineers select the type of gear that suits the application, such as: - Spur Gear: Used in systems that require precision and no lateral movement. - Helical Gear: Helps reduce noise, operates quietly, and can withstand more force. - Gears with adjustable angles: Used in engines that can adjust valve opening angles for optimal combustion efficiency.

The clutch plate is the heart of driving. Why is it more important than you think?

The clutch disc, or clutch plate, is a vital component of a car's clutch system. It is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the gearbox to control the movement of the vehicle. Without a clutch disc or with a worn clutch disc, the car would not be able to change gears smoothly and might experience clutch slipping. 🔹 How does a clutch disc work? The clutch disc works together with the flywheel, pressure plate, and release bearing to control power transmission. The operation principle is as follows: ✅ When the clutch is pressed – the clutch disc disengages from the flywheel, allowing the engine and gearbox to disconnect so that gears can be changed easily. ✅ When the clutch is released – the clutch disc re-engages with the flywheel, transmitting power to the gear assembly, causing the vehicle to move. 🎯 The importance of a clutch disc in a vehicle: 🔹 1. Controls power transmission from the engine The clutch disc acts as an intermediary that allows the engine to connect or disconnect from the gearbox, enabling precise control over the vehicle's movement. 🔹 2. Protects against engine jolts Without a clutch disc or with a malfunctioning clutch disc, gear changes may be jerky, affecting the lifespan of the gearbox. 🔹 3. Enhances driving performance A good clutch disc ensures smooth gear changes, reduces wear and tear on the transmission system, and helps the car consume fuel more efficiently. 🔹 4. Prevents gearbox damage If the clutch disc is worn, it may cause "clutch slipping," which can make the engine work harder, damage the gearbox, and lead to high repair costs. ⚠ Symptoms of a worn clutch disc: ❌ Difficulty engaging gears or loud noises when changing gears ❌ Jerky vehicle start or high engine revs without corresponding movement ❌ Burning smell from the clutch area ❌ Needing to press the clutch deeper than usual to change gears 📌 If these symptoms are observed, it is advisable to check and replace the clutch disc immediately to prevent damage to the gearbox and ensure safer driving.