Counter Rotating Mass System for Vehicle Engine Vibration Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counter rotating mass systems for vehicle engines are heavy, bulky, and costly due to their rigid cast iron construction, making them difficult to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A counter rotating mass system with a compact central support from which eccentric masses project, using lighter materials and simplified design, eliminating the need for a heavy sump and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid cast iron sump is used to house the counter rotating masses, then the system provides strong structural support and durability, but the weight and dimensions of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a compact central support structure and counter-rotating mass assemblies positioned at opposite ends. This segmentation allows the support structure to be minimized in size and weight while still providing necessary structural function, eliminating the need for a large heavy cast iron sump.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using heavy cast iron throughout the entire structure, the patent applies structural support only where locally necessary - at the central support point and at the mass mounting locations. The majority of the structure uses lighter materials, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid cast iron sump is used to house the counter rotating masses, then the system provides structural stability, but the dimensions and bulk of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functional requirements of structural support from the housing function. The compact central support provides structural stability, while the masses are positioned at the ends, eliminating the need for a large enclosing sump and reducing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-rotating masses are positioned at opposite ends of the support structure along the longitudinal axis, creating a distributed configuration that provides structural stability without requiring a bulky enclosing structure. This spatial arrangement optimizes the strength-to-volume ratio.
3Reliability
If a heavy cast iron sump with internal canalization is used, then the system provides complete lubrication for the counter rotating masses, but the manufacturing complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is separated from the structural support function. Instead of integrating complex internal canalization into a heavy sump, the patent uses a simple support structure with external or simplified lubrication delivery, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex internal canalization system is extracted from the structural support element. The support structure is simplified to its essential function, while lubrication is delivered through a separate, simpler system, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and assembly time.
4Weight of moving object
If a compact central support design is used, then the system weight and dimensions are reduced, but the structural support capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The compact central support structure concentrates structural strength only where needed - at the mounting points for the counter-rotating masses and at the connection to the engine. The support uses optimized local reinforcement rather than uniform heavy construction, maintaining strength while minimizing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure likely uses composite or optimized material construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the compact support to provide adequate structural support without the weight of traditional cast iron construction.
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 solution significantly reduces weight and production costs by up to 50%, simplifies assembly, and allows for easier integration of additional functions while maintaining effective vibration balancing.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second counter rotating eccentric mass (22, 23 and 24, 25) held by respective shafts (30, 31) passing through the support (21), said shafts (30, 31) being coaxially fixed to the hubs (26, 27) of the respective masses on the opposite side
Implementation Method 2
counter rotating mass system for balancing the vibrations produced by a vehicle engine
Data Source
Figure 1.1~1.2
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a counter rotating mass system for balancing the vibrations produced by a vehicle engine, comprising a central support (21) and counter rotating eccentric mass (22, 23, 24, 25) projecting from the two opposite sides of the support.