Belt Tensioning Device with Pivot Axis Inside Pulley Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional belt tensioning devices for belt drives with starter generators require significant space and separate installation, and are not compact enough to be independent of main drive construction and space conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact belt tensioning device with a pivotably supported tensioning arm and a torsion spring, where the pivot axis is arranged inside the outer diameter of the belt pulley, allowing for direct mounting on auxiliary apparatuses without additional space requirements, using a base that can be firmly connected or connectable to the apparatus via a threaded connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional belt tensioning devices are used for belt drives with starter generators, then the belt can be sufficiently tensioned, but the device requires significant installation space and separate mounting on the engine block
Solution Approach 1:
The belt tensioning device is merged with the auxiliary apparatus (starter generator, water pump, etc.) by mounting the tensioning arm directly on the apparatus housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate engine block mounting and reduces installation space while maintaining tensioning effectiveness through the apparatus's own structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device is designed to be universally applicable to different auxiliary apparatuses in the belt drive system. The tensioning arm can be mounted on any apparatus with a housing and driveshaft, making the solution adaptable to starter generators, water pumps, and other accessories without requiring apparatus-specific design modifications
2Force
If the pivot axis of the tensioning arm is arranged outside the belt pulley outer diameter, then the tensioning mechanism has sufficient leverage, but the device occupies more radial space
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis of the tensioning arm is positioned inside the outer diameter of the belt pulley, utilizing the radial space already occupied by the pulley. This dimensional repositioning maintains adequate leverage through optimized arm geometry and torsion spring placement while eliminating the need for additional radial installation space
3Reliability
If spring-loaded tensioning rollers are provided for both sides of the belt pulley, then the belt tension is maintained under both engine and starter operating conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
One spring-loaded tensioning roller is extracted and eliminated by utilizing the apparatus housing itself as the mounting structure. The housing serves as the fixed reference point for the tensioning arm, replacing the need for a second tensioning roller while maintaining adequate belt tension through the remaining single roller and optimized arm geometry
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 solution achieves a compact design that is independent of engine compartment space conditions, reducing the need for separate installation space and eliminating the requirement for connecting means to the engine block, while maintaining effective belt tensioning.
Implementation Method 1
exactly one tensioning arm which is pivotably supported relative to the base around a pivot axis (A) and which, via a torsion spring, is supported in the circumferential direction against the base
Data Source
AI summary
A belt tensioning device for a belt drive having at least one apparatus with a housing, a driveshaft and a belt pulley, as well as an infinite belt for driving the belt pulley. The belt tensioning device includes a base that can be or is firmly connected to the apparatus, exactly one tensioning arm that, relative to the base, is supported so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis and that, via a torsion spring, is supported in the circumferential direction against the base. The belt tensioning device also includes a tensioning roller that, at the tensioning arm, is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis of rotation and serves to tension the belt. When the belt tensioning device is mounted at the apparatus, the pivot axis of the tensioning arm is arranged inside the outer diameter of the belt pulley of the apparatus.