Belt Wear Detection via Torque Impulse and Rotation Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately determine belt wear in belt-driven starter generators of internal combustion engines, which can lead to increased slippage and wear, as they do not effectively measure the wear condition in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an electric drive motor coupled to the pulley, where a defined torque is applied to the belt to measure the resulting rotation angle, allowing for the assessment of belt wear, with the option to apply torque in opposite directions to enhance measurement accuracy and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a defined torque is applied to the belt to measure rotation angle for wear detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the belt experiences additional wear and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a defined torque impulse with fixed time duration and fixed profile (at most 1 second, at most 10 Nm) - a partial action that is sufficient for measurement but limited enough to minimize additional wear. This resolves the contradiction by using just enough torque to obtain accurate rotation angle measurements without excessive loading that would accelerate belt degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The belt wear detection is performed periodically by applying torque impulses at defined intervals rather than continuously. This allows wear measurement at multiple time points to track wear progression while giving the belt rest periods between measurements, preventing cumulative damage from constant torque application
2Measurement precision
If torque magnitude and duration are increased to improve wear detection sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but belt wear and slippage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the torque impulse (magnitude limited to at most 10 Nm, duration limited to at most 1 second) to achieve the optimal balance between measurement sensitivity and belt protection. By carefully selecting and constraining these parameters, the system achieves sufficient detection sensitivity while maintaining belt drive reliability and minimizing additional 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
Enables the determination of current belt wear, allowing for adaptive torque management to minimize further wear and slippage, thereby extending the belt's lifespan and maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the electric drive motor, which produces a torque in order to determine the belt wear
Implementation Method 2
Increasing belt wear causes the belt to lengthen, and consequently the rotation angle of the pulley—or the variable that correlates therewith—as a reaction to the applied torque also increases
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining belt wear in a belt drive, wherein the belt is loaded with a defined torque and the rotation angle of a pulley is determined.