Concentric Rolling Bearing Layout for Compact Torque Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque transmission systems for electrically driven motor vehicles require significant axial space due to the arrangement of pivot bearings, which complicates production and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

The torque transmission system features radially offset rolling bearings that minimize axial space requirements, with a ring gear design and nested pivot bearings allowing for efficient coupling of internal combustion engines and electric drive devices, enabling cost-effective production and reduced axial installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pivot bearings are arranged in the axial direction to support the torque transmission element, then the torque transmission element can be properly supported and rotated, but the axial installation space requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidaxial installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from axial arrangement of pivot bearings to radial arrangement. The pivot bearings are positioned at different radial distances from the rotation axis, with the first pivot bearing at a first radial distance and the second pivot bearing at a second radial distance. This dimensional change from axial to radial positioning reduces the axial installation space while maintaining the support capability for the torque transmission element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested configuration where the first and second pivot bearings are arranged concentrically, with one bearing positioned inside the radial space of the other. This nesting allows both bearings to occupy overlapping radial zones, minimizing the overall axial footprint while providing dual support points for the torque transmission element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If a substantial hollow-cylindrical shoulder is used to support pivot bearings, then structural support and bearing mounting are improved, but the axial space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidaxial space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow-cylindrical shoulder is repositioned from an axial support structure to a radial support structure. The shoulder extends radially inward from the outer side of the cylinder to form support surfaces for the pivot bearings at different radial distances. This radial repositioning maintains the structural support function while eliminating the need for extensive axial space that would be required for traditional axial bearing mounts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration allows for a compact, cost-effective torque transmission system that supports both combustion engine and electric drive operations while maintaining axial support and load capacity, facilitating simultaneous generator and boost operations.

Implementation Method 1

A first rolling bearing (30) is arranged between an outer side (15) of the cylinder (14) and the shoulder (21), and a second rolling bearing (40) is arranged between the shoulder (21) and an inner side (17) of the hollow cylinder (16).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP4028672B1Torque transmitting system with concentric arranged rolling bearings, drive unit and drive arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP4028672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4028672B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a torque transmitting system, a drive unit, and a drive assembly. The torque transmitting system (10) comprises a torque transmitting element (11) and a support element (20) which supports the torque transmitting element (11) by means of rotary bearings (30, 40). The torque transmitting element (11) has a first connection device (12) for coupling the torque transmitting element (11) to a first assembly in a rotationally fixed manner and a second connection device (13) for coupling the torque transmitting element (11) to a second assembly. One of the two elements, i.e. the torque transmitting element (11) and the support element (20), forms a substantially hollow cylindrical shoulder (21), and the respective other element forms the outer face (15) of a cylinder (14) and, correspondingly thereto, the inner face (17) of a hollow cylinder (16) radially outwards. The shoulder (21) is arranged between the outer face (15) of the cylinder (14) and the inner face (10) of the hollow cylinder (16) in a radial direction, a first rotary bearing (30) is arranged between the outer face (15) of the cylinder (14) and the shoulder (21), and a second rotary bearing (40) is arranged between the shoulder (21) and the inner face (10) of the hollow cylinder (16). By using the torque transmitting system according to the invention, less axial installation space is required in an inexpensive and structurally simple manner.