Angled Torque Transmission for Side-Mounted Engine Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicular applications with side or rear-mounted engines, the limited space constraints make it challenging to position a fan and fan clutch in a coaxial arrangement with the engine, necessitating a torque transmission system that allows selective control of the output device at an angle relative to the torque output from the prime mover.
Innovation Solution
A torque transmission system comprising a clutch device, intermediate pulley, belt, driveshaft, and right-angle gearbox, where the clutch is positioned upstream to enable selective torque control and spatial orientation change, allowing the output device (e.g., fan) to be positioned at an angle (e.g., 90°) relative to the torque input, with features like adjustable length driveshaft and universal joints for adaptable applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fan and fan clutch are mounted directly to the engine in a coaxial arrangement, then torque transmission is simple and direct, but vehicle configurations with side or rear-mounted engines lack sufficient engine compartment space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angle gearbox that changes the spatial orientation of torque transmission from coaxial to angular (e.g., 90 degrees). This dimensional change in torque transmission path enables the fan to be positioned away from the engine in angular directions, utilizing previously unavailable space in side or rear-mounted engine configurations while maintaining effective cooling airflow generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple intermediary components including an angle gearbox, driveshaft, and belt pulley system to transmit torque from the engine to the fan. These intermediaries enable flexible spatial arrangement by decoupling the engine and fan positions, allowing the fan to be located at angular orientations while still receiving adequate torque transmission through the intermediary transmission path
2Loss of energy
If the clutch device is positioned downstream near the fan, then control of the output device is direct, but parasitic loading on the drivetrain components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch device is positioned upstream in the torque transmission path, performing the torque control function before torque is transmitted through the belt, driveshaft, and angle gearbox. This preliminary action allows the clutch to engage or disengage torque transmission to the entire downstream drivetrain, reducing parasitic loading on intermediate components when the fan is not needed, while still maintaining direct control capability through the upstream positioning
3Volume of moving object
If a right-angle gearbox and driveshaft are used to position the fan at an angle to the engine, then flexible packaging and compact size are achieved, but drivetrain component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a belt-driven pulley system between the engine and angle gearbox that allows for dynamic torque transmission. The belt drive provides slip capability and shock absorption, reducing impact loads on the angle gearbox and driveshaft during engine startup or load changes, thereby extending drivetrain component life while maintaining the compact angular arrangement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces parasitic loading, noise, and drivetrain component wear, enabling flexible packaging and compact size, with improved 'off' response times and reduced output device speed, particularly beneficial in cooling applications with limited ram air.
Implementation Method 1
a belt operatively engaged between the clutch device and the intermediate pulley
Implementation Method 2
an angle gearbox configured to change a spatial orientation of torque transmitted between an input and an output of the angle gearbox
Data Source
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AI summary
A torque transmission system (20) for transmitting torque from a prime mover (22) along a drivetrain includes a clutch device (28) configured to accept a torque input from the prime mover, an intermediate pulley (32), a belt (30) operatively engaged between the clutch device and the intermediate pulley, an angle gearbox (36) configured to change a spatial orientation of torque transmitted between an input and an output of the angle gearbox, a driveshaft (34) operably engaged between the intermediate pulley and the angle gearbox, and an output device (38) configured to accept a torque output from the angle gearbox. The clutch device is located upstream from the intermediate pulley and the angle gearbox along the drivetrain.