Harmonic Drive Annular Spring Layout for Camshaft Adjusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave gears for electromechanical camshaft adjusters lack a compact and easy-to-assemble design with an integrated spring element between the drive and output elements, which affects their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A wave gear design featuring an internally toothed housing element, a cup-shaped output element, and a flexible gear element with external teeth that mesh with the housing element, along with a spring element arranged in an annular space between the housing and output elements, providing a torsion spring with multiple turns and axial direction engagement, and a thin-walled securing pot for axial securing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a spring element is integrated between drive element and output element of the wave gear, then the compactness and assembly ease is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated directly into the wave gear structure by arranging it in the annular space between the drive element and output element, merging the spring function with the existing gear components rather than adding a separate assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The annular space within the wave gear structure serves dual purposes: it provides the necessary space for the spring element to function while also maintaining the compact gear geometry, making the structure multi-functional
2Use of energy by moving object
If the spring element is arranged in the annular space through the sleeve section and cylindrical section, then the energy transfer efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is positioned in the specific annular space defined by the sleeve section and cylindrical section, providing localized energy storage and transfer exactly where needed in the mechanism without affecting other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded in the annular space during assembly, storing energy in advance to ensure efficient energy transfer is immediately available when the wave gear operates
3Reliability
If the output element has contours for rotation angle limitation, then the reliability is improved by providing fail-safe position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation angle limitation contours are integrated directly into the output element structure, combining the limiting function with the output element rather than adding separate limiting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The output element's own contours provide the rotation angle limitation, allowing the component to self-regulate its movement range without requiring external control systems or additional parts
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 design enhances the compactness and assembly ease of wave gears, ensuring efficient energy transfer and providing a defined fail-safe position, suitable for both internal combustion engines and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (35), in particular a torsion spring, which is effective between the housing element (2) and the output element (4)
Implementation Method 2
a likewise cup-shaped, flexible gear element (19) connected to the output element (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A harmonic drive comprises an internally toothed housing element (2), a pot-shaped output element (4) which is mounted in the housing element (2), and a likewise pot-shaped, resilient drive element (19) which is connected to the output element (4) and has an external toothing system (13) which meshes with the internal toothing system (14) of the housing element (2). A spring element (35) is active between the housing element (2) and the output element (4), which spring element (35) is arranged in an annular chamber which is delimited radially to the inside by way of a sleeve section (24) of the resilient drive element (19), radially to the outside by way of a cylindrical section (5) of the output element (4), and in the axial direction firstly by way of an annular disc-shaped surface (23) of the housing element (2) and secondly by way of a bottom (9) of the output element (4).