Camshaft Adjuster Spring Assembly for Quiet Gear Preload
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camshaft adjusters are either complex in design, require multiple parts, or generate noise due to the interaction of gears with varying profiles, which complicates assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A camshaft adjuster with a C-shaped spring acting as both a torsion spring and axial securing element, integrated into a compact design with a spur gear toothing, allowing for easy assembly and low noise operation by eliminating the need for additional securing elements and using a harmonic drive as the actuating gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate securing element is used to axially secure the clamping gear on the drive gear, then the clamping gear is securely fixed, but the device complexity increases and the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is designed to perform dual functions: it provides the preloading force to eliminate play in the spur gear toothing and simultaneously acts as an axial securing element to fix the clamping gear on the drive gear. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate securing element, reducing device complexity and part count while maintaining reliable axial securing
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is designed as a multi-functional component that combines the preloading function (circumferential direction) with the axial securing function. The C-shaped spring engages in a tangential groove on the drive gear to provide axial positioning while its elastic properties enable it to apply preloading force circumferentially, making it a universal element that replaces multiple separate components
2Power
If gears with different profiles are used in the camshaft adjuster, then the gear interaction provides necessary mechanical function, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses gears with identical profiles (both spur gear toothing) for the drive gear and clamping gear. This homogeneity in gear profile ensures smooth, quiet operation by eliminating the noise generated when gears with different profiles interact, while still maintaining the necessary mechanical function of power transmission and play elimination
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for preloading and securing, then the functions are clearly separated, but the assembly process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring combines the preloading function and axial securing function in a single component. The C-shaped spring engages in the tangential groove on the drive gear, providing both axial positioning and circumferential preloading force. This merging simplifies the assembly process as fewer components need to be installed and positioned, while the spring's design ensures both functions are reliably performed
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 results in a compact, parts-saving camshaft adjuster that operates with reduced noise by ensuring simultaneous contact of gear flanks, enhancing ease of assembly and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the spring preload between the drive gear and the clamping gear serves to remove play from a spur gear toothing
Implementation Method 2
The spring describes an open ring shape, i.e., a C-shape. The double function of the spring, i.e., the preloading function as a torsion spring and the function of an axial securing ring
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosu rerelates to a shaft adjuster, in particular a camshaft adjuster, comprising a drive gear having a spur gear toothing and a clamping gear which is arranged coaxially relative to the drive gear and which is loaded by a spring acting in the circumferential direction. The spring is also designed as an axial securing element for axially securing the clamping gear on the drive gear .