Damper Assembly Torque Spike Management via Slip Clutch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damper assemblies in hybrid motor vehicle drive trains fail to effectively prevent torque spikes and reduce rattle tendencies, particularly when the traction motor delivers zero torque, such as on slick surfaces, while maintaining performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A damper assembly comprising a first spring damper connected to a torque input component, a slip clutch, and a second spring damper, along with a pendulum absorber, which transfers torque through the slip clutch and second spring damper to the hybrid transmission, utilizing arc and straight springs to isolate vibrations and manage torque spikes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a straight spring damper and pendulum are used (as in prior art), then the structure is simple, but torque spikes and rattle tendencies are not effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque spike preventionVSAvoiddamper assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damper assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: arc spring damper, slip clutch mechanism, straight spring damper, and pendulum absorber. Each segment performs a specific function in managing torque spikes and vibrations, with the arc spring damper handling initial torque spikes, the slip clutch providing controlled slippage, and the straight spring damper managing residual vibrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The damper assembly combines different types of springs (arc springs and straight springs) and different damping mechanisms (slip clutch and pendulum absorber) into a composite structure. This composite approach integrates multiple protection mechanisms that work together to effectively prevent torque spikes and rattle tendencies while maintaining overall system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the traction motor delivers zero torque on slick surfaces, then wheel slip is reduced, but rattle tendencies increase and controllability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontrollabilityVSAvoidrattle tendency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The slip clutch mechanism is pre-loaded with an elastic element that creates a predetermined slip torque. When rattle tendencies occur due to zero traction motor torque, the slip clutch engages beforehand to provide cushioning and damping, preventing the harmful rattle from propagating through the drive train while maintaining controllability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If multiple spring dampers and a slip clutch are added to prevent torque spikes, then torque spike prevention improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque spike preventionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arc spring damper, slip clutch mechanism, straight spring damper, and pendulum absorber are merged into a single integrated damper assembly that fits within the existing drive train architecture. This merging allows multiple protection mechanisms to work together in a compact configuration, improving torque spike prevention without proportionally increasing overall device 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 damper assembly effectively prevents torque spikes and reduces rattle tendencies, enhancing controllability and maintaining drive train performance and efficiency by isolating engine vibrations and managing torque spikes without compromising the drive train's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The first spring damper transfers torque input to the first spring damper to the slip clutch... The first spring damper may include arc springs and the second spring damper may include straight springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The damper assembly may further include a pendulum absorber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPendulum: Pendulum

Data Source

PatentUS9890816B2Damper assembly including a spring damper transferring torque to a slip clutch

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A damper assembly for an engine includes a first spring damper connectable to a torque input component and a slip clutch connected to the first spring damper. The first spring damper transfers torque input to the first spring damper to the slip clutch. A hybrid motor vehicle drive train and a method of forming a damper assembly are also provided.