Clutch Disc Pendulum Carrier Layout for Torsional Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clutch discs with centrifugal pendulum absorbers require additional installation space and can misalign due to riveted connections, affecting damping performance.

Innovation Solution

A clutch disc design featuring interconnected carrier discs with guideways and guide pins for pendulum masses, allowing precise positioning and parallel damping action, using sheet metal discs and stop means to optimize space utilization and damping efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pendulum masses are arranged on both sides of the disc with predetermined distance, then optimal vibration damping is achieved, but additional installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration damping performanceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pendulum masses are nested between the two carrier discs, with the guide pins extending through guideways in both carrier discs and the pendulum mass itself. This nested arrangement allows the pendulum masses to be positioned at an optimal distance from the disc for vibration damping while containing them within the space between the carrier discs, thereby reducing the required installation space compared to external mounting arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If pendulum masses are connected with spacers and rivets, then structural stability is achieved, but misalignment occurs leading to deterioration in damping properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical connection system (spacers and rivets) with a guideway-guide pin mechanism. The guide pins engage in curved guideways that are precision-formed in the carrier discs and pendulum masses, providing alignment through geometric constraint rather than rigid mechanical fastening. This substitution eliminates misalignment issues while maintaining structural stability throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid fixed-position fastening (rivets) to constrained guided movement (guide pins in curved guideways). The curved guideways allow the guide pins to follow a predetermined path that maintains proper alignment while accommodating operational movements, thereby preserving damping properties through parameter optimization rather than rigid fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple pendulum masses are arranged between carrier discs, then damping effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the damping function into multiple independent pendulum masses that can be individually manufactured and then assembled between the carrier discs. Each pendulum mass with its guide pins and guideways can be produced as a separate component, allowing for standardized mass production of individual units that are then combined to achieve the desired total damping effectiveness, thereby managing manufacturing complexity through modular segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple pendulum masses into a single integrated assembly between the two carrier discs. The carrier discs serve as common mounting structures that hold multiple pendulum masses simultaneously, combining their individual damping effects into a unified system. This merging approach achieves enhanced damping effectiveness while consolidating the structural support into reusable carrier discs, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces installation space requirements and enhances damping performance by enabling precise pendulum mass positioning and parallel action, improving torsional vibration damping across a wide frequency range.

Implementation Method 1

a clutch disc (20) with a centrifugal pendulum absorber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

to dampen the torque irregularities resulting from the combustion process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsional vibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

the guideway in the carrier disk is curved, with the curve being open radially inward. When displaced in the circumferential direction, the pendulum mass shifts radially inward from a central position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance through curved paths: Geometry

Implementation Method 4

stop means are provided radially inside the pendulum masses to dampen the radial movement of the pendulum mass between the carrier discs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stopping and radial constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3060829B2Clutch disk
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3060829B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3060829B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3060829B2 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to torsion damper (1) comprising an input element (2) and an output element (4), wherein the input element can turn relative to the output element against the force applied by at least one energy accumulator (3), wherein connected to the input element or the output element there is a support (5) composed of two joined support discs, wherein between the two support discs at least one pendulum mass (8) can be moved relative to the support discs.