Integrated Damping Flexplate Spline Connection for Powertrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle powertrains face challenges in achieving a compact and efficient torque transmission between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the transmission, particularly due to space constraints and durability issues with existing spline connections, which can lead to noise and vibration problems.
Innovation Solution
A compact damping system with a spline connection is placed between the ICE and the transmission, eliminating the need for a flexplate and simplifying the mounting process, while absorbing torque fluctuations to provide a robust and flexible driveline solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexplate with screw joints is used to connect the crank shaft and torque converter, then torque transmission is achieved, but the installation length is large and installation is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the damping system with the flexplate into a single integrated unit. The damping system is incorporated directly into the flexplate structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall installation length while maintaining torque transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexplate is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the torque transmission element and the damping system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying installation and reducing space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the crank shaft is directly connected to the torque converter via spline connection, then installation is simplified, but torque fluctuations are directly transmitted causing noise and durability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is built into the flexplate structure beforehand, providing cushioning against torque fluctuations before they reach the torque converter. This pre-integrated damping capability protects the spline connection and reduces noise without complicating installation.
3Power
If additional components are added to meet increasing torque output and gear requirements, then powertrain performance is improved, but the overall vehicle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system and flexplate are combined into a single integrated component, reducing the overall number of parts needed in the powertrain. This merger maintains torque transmission capability while reducing powertrain volume to accommodate increasing torque requirements without proportionally increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated flexplate-damping system performs multiple functions: torque transmission, damping torque fluctuations, and structural support. This multi-functionality allows the powertrain to handle increased torque requirements without adding proportional amounts of additional components or volume.
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 solution enables a more compact and efficient torque transmission, reducing noise and vibration issues, and simplifying the installation process by using a spline connection between the damping system and the torque converter, thereby enhancing the overall powertrain efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a damping system arranged between the internal combustion engine and the transmission for dampening irregularity motions of the crank shaft
Implementation Method 2
the output splined portion of the damping system is adapted to mate with a splined portion of a coupling shaft of the transmission for connecting the crank shaft to the transmission
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising: an internal combustion engine operable to rotate a crank shaft of the internal combustion engine; a transmission; at least one driving wheel rotationally connected to the transmission; a damping system arranged between the internal combustion engine and the transmission for dampening irregularity motions of the crank shaft, the damping system comprising an output splined portion; wherein the transmission is arranged for controllably rotationally connecting the output splined portion of the damping system to provide torque from the internal combustion engine to the at least one driving wheel via the transmission, wherein the output splined portion of the damping system is adapted to mate with a splined portion of a coupling shaft of the transmission for connecting the crank shaft to the transmission via the damping system.