Vibration Damper Roller Cam Follower Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torsion dampers in motor vehicle transmissions, such as double mass flywheels, face issues with parasitic friction from lip seals, which degrade performance by generating unwanted friction and noise.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damper design featuring a cam follower with a roller and a cover that seals the bearing space without generating parasitic friction, using a sheet metal cover with an elastomer ring seal and a lubricant-filled cavity to enhance sealing and reduce axial size, while maintaining effective lubrication and filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lip seals are used to seal the bearing space, then sealing is improved, but parasitic friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the lip seal from the bearing space sealing system. Instead of using a lip seal that contacts rotating parts, the patent uses a cover fixed to the roller that seals the bearing space at the end of the rod, eliminating the source of parasitic friction while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary sealing approach where a cover fixed to the roller acts as a mediator to seal the bearing space. This cover, positioned at a distance from the distal end of the rod, provides sealing without direct contact friction, replacing the traditional lip seal mechanism.
2Loss of energy
If a cover is used to seal the bearing space, then parasitic friction is reduced, but installation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing function with the existing cover structure that is already fixed to the roller. By positioning this cover at a distance from the distal end of the rod, it simultaneously provides sealing and avoids interference with rod-roller contact, simplifying the overall design while reducing parasitic friction.
3Reliability
If the cover is positioned close to the rod, then sealing effectiveness improves, but parasitic friction between cover and rod increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by positioning the cover at a specific distance from the distal end of the rod. This localized positioning ensures that the cover provides adequate sealing for the bearing space while maintaining sufficient clearance to avoid parasitic friction with the rod, optimizing both sealing and friction reduction in different spatial zones.
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 effectively reduces parasitic friction and improves the filtration performance of the damper, enhancing the overall efficiency and comfort of motor vehicle transmissions by minimizing noise and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
Rolling bodies disposed in a bearing space which contains a lubricant and is arranged between an outer bearing track carried by the roller and an inner bearing track carried by the rod to permit relative rotation between the roller and the rod
Implementation Method 2
The circular flange of the cover is fitted with an elastomeric annular seal
Implementation Method 3
A radially oriented passage, axially positioned between the cover and the distal end of the rod, allows lubricant circulation, particularly under the effects of centrifugal force
Implementation Method 4
the cam being linked to the second element by an elastic connection which is arranged to deform and allow movement of the cam follower on the cam and relative rotation between the first and second elements to dampen acyclic movements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a vibration damper for a drive chain of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a first element (2) and a second element (3) that can rotate with respect to one another about an axis X; and - a cam follower (13) engaging with a cam; the cam follower (13) comprising: ⋅ a rod (16); ⋅ a roller (14) mounted on the rod (16); ⋅ rolling bodies (19) disposed in a rolling space which is filled with lubricant and is arranged between an outer raceway (20) carried by the roller (14) and an inner raceway (21) carried by the rod (16); and ⋅ a cover (27) which is disposed facing a distal end of the rod (16) and is fixed in a sealed manner on the roller (14).