Axial and Radial Ring Assembly for Vehicle NVH Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotating components in vehicles produce noise due to vibrations, which are not effectively attenuated by existing noise reduction technologies, leading to discomfort for occupants.

Innovation Solution

A noise vibration harshness reduction assembly that includes an axial ring and a radial ring, where the axial ring is configured to attenuate axial sound inducing vibrations and the radial ring is designed to attenuate radial sound inducing vibrations, using an impedance mismatch to isolate the vibrations from the housing, with specific stiffness and torque characteristics to optimize sound reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing noise reduction technologies are used, then the structure remains simple, but the vibration attenuation effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration attenuation effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reduction technology is segmented into two independent rings: an axial ring for attenuating axial vibrations and a radial ring for attenuating radial vibrations. Each ring is independently configured with specific stiffness characteristics, allowing targeted vibration attenuation without requiring a complex integrated system. The axial ring includes axial corrugations while the radial ring includes radial corrugations, enabling specialized functionality for each vibration direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention addresses vibration attenuation by adding dimensional specificity - introducing separate axial and radial components rather than using a single omnidirectional structure. The axial ring operates primarily in the axial dimension while the radial ring operates in the radial dimension, creating a multi-dimensional approach to noise reduction that improves effectiveness without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the component stiffness is increased to reduce vibrations, then the vibration attenuation improves, but the torque transmission capability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound vibration transmissionVSAvoidtorque transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rings are designed with localized stiffness characteristics - the axial ring has high axial stiffness to attenuate axial vibrations while maintaining torque transmission capability, and the radial ring has high radial stiffness to attenuate radial vibrations. The corrugations are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide vibration attenuation only in the specific axial or radial direction where needed, without compromising the component's overall torque transmission capability through the bearing assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The axial and radial rings act as intermediary elements between the bearing and the housing, providing vibration attenuation without creating a rigid direct connection that would transmit both vibrations and torque equally. The rings serve as compliant intermediaries that filter vibrations while allowing torque to pass through, resolving the contradiction between vibration attenuation and torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The assembly effectively reduces the transmission of sound vibrations to the housing, providing improved noise reduction and occupant comfort by utilizing the axial and radial rings to counteract the vibrations produced by rotating components.

Implementation Method 1

using an impedance mismatch to isolate the vibrations from the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance mismatch:

Implementation Method 2

using an impedance mismatch to isolate the vibrations from the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance mismatch:

Implementation Method 3

the axial corrugations engage the axial side of the bearing and the axial wall of the housing to stabilize the bearing when a low load is applied axially to the bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement:

Data Source

PatentUS11873878B2Noise vibration harshness reduction assembly and methods, an axial ring configured to attenuate sound inducing vibrations

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A noise vibration harshness reduction assembly includes a housing, a component, and an axial ring. The component is supported via the housing and movable relative to the housing. The axial ring is disposed axially along the component. The axial ring is configured to attenuate axial sound inducing vibrations in response to operation of the component.