Belt Tensioner Arm Cocking Reduction via Supplemental Force Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Zed-type belt tensioners experience hub loads that cause tilting or cocking of the tensioner arm, leading to uneven wear and reduced lifespan due to insufficient counteracting force, particularly in high-offset designs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a supplemental force element, such as a wave spring, that counteracts the hub load by exerting a targeted axial force to stabilize the arm alignment and reduce wear on components like bushings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a Zed-type belt tensioner design is used, then the belt tensioning capability is improved, but the hub load causes tilting of the tensioner arm leading to uneven wear and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a supplemental force element (such as a supplemental spring) that applies a counteracting force to the hub load experienced by the tensioner arm. This supplemental force acts in opposition to the tilting moment created by the hub load, thereby preventing the arm from cocking off its contact surfaces and maintaining proper alignment throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the force balance parameters by adding a supplemental force element with specific mechanical properties (spring rate, preload, positioning) to change the overall force distribution. This allows the tensioner system to maintain optimal arm alignment under varying hub load conditions while preserving the high-offset design's tensioning capability.
2Device complexity
If the main tensioner spring alone counteracts the hub load, then the structure remains simple, but the arm tilts or cocks off contact surfaces causing uneven wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the force counteracting function into two separate elements: the main tensioner spring that provides primary tensioning force, and a supplemental force element that specifically addresses the hub load counteraction. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while working together to prevent arm tilting and reduce uneven wear.
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 supplemental force element effectively counteracts hub loads, preventing tilting and cocking of the tensioner arm, thereby reducing wear and extending the useful life of components while providing additional damping effects.
Implementation Method 1
a supplemental force element, such as a wave spring, that counteracts the hub load by exerting a targeted axial force
Implementation Method 2
providing additional damping effects
Data Source
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AI summary
Zed-type belt tensioners are described that include an arm having a first end rotatable about a first axis to move a second end of the arm into engagement with a belt, a tensioner component coupled to the first end of the arm, and a supplemental force element positioned between the arm and the tensioner component. The second end of the arm while tensioning a belt experiences a hub load applied by the belt and the supplemental force element is positioned at a point to apply a force that counteracts the hub load thereby reducing cocking of the arm. Also described herein are methods of counteracting the hub load using such belt tensioners and methods of assembly of such belt tensioners.