Chassis Actuator Clutch Decoupling for Vibration and Noise Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chassis actuators for adjustable roll stabilizers in motor vehicles experience disruptive noise due to speed fluctuations, torque fluctuations, and load changes, which are not effectively mitigated by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

A clutch device is integrated into the drive train of the chassis actuator, allowing it to switch between a transmission state with a drive connection and a decoupling state, using a coupling device with a starting element and coupling element that converts rotational movement into axial displacement, enabling the actuator to decouple from disturbing vibrations and noises.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a mechanical gearbox is used to transmit torque from the drive motor, then the motor size can be kept within reasonable limits, but disturbing noises and vibrations occur due to functional play and tooth flank changes in the planetary gear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor sizeVSAvoiddisturbing noises
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch device extracts and isolates the disturbing vibrations and noises from the drive train by decoupling the drive motor from the transmission system. This allows the motor to be kept compact while preventing the transmission of harmful vibrations to the chassis actuator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch device acts as an intermediary element between the drive motor and the transmission system. It mediates the connection by allowing torque transmission when needed while blocking the transmission of disturbing vibrations and noises, thus resolving the contradiction between compact motor design and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the clutch device is added to the drive train to reduce vibrations and noises, then operational stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoiddrive train complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch device merges the functions of vibration isolation and torque transmission into a single integrated component. By combining these functions, the device improves operational stability without proportionally increasing the overall complexity of the drive train system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque from the drive motor, isolates vibrations, and reduces noises. This multi-functionality allows it to improve operational stability while adding minimal complexity to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 clutch device effectively reduces disturbing vibrations and noises by decoupling the drive motor from chassis-induced disturbances, improving operational stability and reducing noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

a friction element (26) is inserted into the keyway (25) formed by the clamping ring (22) and the coupling cone (21). The friction element is designed in such a way that a drive connection can be established between the clutch element and the output element by means of frictional engagement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

This is axially preloaded by a compression spring designed as a disc spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The thrust element has a thrust contour on its end face facing the clutch element, which is designed such that a relative rotation of the thrust element relative to the clutch element causes an axial displacement of the clutch element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3880499B1Clutch device for a chassis actuator, and chassis actuator
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP3880499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3880499B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a clutch device (10) for a chassis actuator (6), in particular of an adjustable roll stabilizer (1), for releasably connecting a drive shaft (9) to an output element (15). The invention is characterized by a clutch element (14) that is mounted on the drive shaft (9) and depending on the operating state of the drive shaft (9) can be axially moved between a transmission state (active state), in which the clutch element (14) assumes a frictional engagement with the output element (15) in order to establish a drive connection between the drive shaft (9) and the output element (15), and a decoupling state (passive state), in which the frictional engagement between the clutch element (14) and the output element (15) is released or at least reduced in order to drivingly decouple the output element (15) and the drive shaft (9) from each other.