Centrifugal Rotary Coupling With Rolling Members for Quiet Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary devices with centrifugal elements experience contact sound issues due to gaps between centrifugal elements and guide surfaces, caused by manufacturing inaccuracies, leading to torque fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating rolling members between centrifugal elements and guide surfaces to fill gaps and prevent contact sound, with cam mechanisms to convert centrifugal force into circumferential force, reducing rotational phase differences between rotors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centrifugal elements are disposed in recessed portions with guide surfaces, then radial movement is enabled, but manufacturing inaccuracies cause gaps between centrifugal elements and guide surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A rolling member is introduced as an intermediary element between the centrifugal element and the guide surface. The rolling member fills the gap caused by manufacturing inaccuracies and enables smooth radial movement through rolling contact, eliminating direct contact between the centrifugal element and guide surface.
2Ease of manufacture
If gaps exist between centrifugal elements and guide surfaces, then manufacturing is easier, but contact sound is produced during torque fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling member serves as a mediator that eliminates direct contact between the centrifugal element and guide surface during torque fluctuations. By introducing this intermediate rolling element, the harmful contact sound is prevented while maintaining the manufacturing tolerance gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding contact mechanism between centrifugal element and guide surface is replaced with a rolling contact mechanism involving the rolling member. This substitution eliminates the impact and contact sound associated with sliding contact during torque direction changes.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If rolling members are added between guide surfaces and centrifugal elements, then contact sound is inhibited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling member is introduced as a compact intermediary component that fits within the existing recessed portion structure. While it does increase component count, its small size and integration into the existing geometry minimizes the overall complexity increase.
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
Effectively inhibits contact sound between centrifugal elements and guide surfaces, ensuring smooth radial movement and efficient torque transmission across various rotational speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The first rolling member is configured to roll on the first guide surface in accordance with rotation of the centrifugal element about the rotational axis thereof
Implementation Method 2
Each centrifugal element is moved radially outward within each recessed portion by a centrifugal force acting thereon in rotation of the hub flange
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary device includes a first rotor, a second rotor, a centrifugal element, and a first rolling member. The first rotor includes an accommodation portion having first and second guide surfaces. The first and second guide surfaces face both sides in a circumferential direction. The first rotor is disposed to be rotatable. The second rotor is disposed to be rotatable with and relative to the first rotor. The centrifugal element is disposed within the accommodation portion. The centrifugal element is disposed to be radially movable by a centrifugal force acting thereon in rotation of the first or second rotor. The centrifugal element rotates about a rotational axis thereof in radial movement thereof. The first rolling member is disposed between the first guide surface and the centrifugal element. The first rolling member rolls on the first guide surface in accordance with rotation of the centrifugal element about the rotational axis thereof.