Divided Tooth Wheel Axial Space Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing divided toothed wheels with two braced halves require a large construction space due to the axial protrusion of the collar, which is a limitation in compact applications like internal combustion engines, where space is constrained.

Innovation Solution

A divided toothed wheel design featuring a hollow cylindrical collar with a groove and a radially extending recess in the second toothed wheel half, where an elastically deformable spring ring forms a non-releasable positive locking connection, minimizing axial space usage by shifting the joint region below the second toothed wheel half and potentially making the collar's protrusion minimal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a snap ring is used to attach the second toothed wheel part to the collar, then the connection is releasable and easy to assemble, but the collar must protrude clearly beyond the side surface of the second toothed wheel part, requiring large construction space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidaxial construction space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring ring is nested within the receiving space formed by the groove in the collar and the radially extending recess in the second toothed wheel part. This nesting allows the fastening element to be contained within the radial thickness of the toothed wheel parts rather than extending axially beyond them, significantly reducing the axial construction space while maintaining the assembly functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from an axial arrangement (where the snap ring would extend axially beyond the collar) to a radial arrangement (where the spring ring is contained within the radial thickness of the toothed wheel parts). By moving the fastening element into the radial dimension and utilizing the recess to contain it, the axial dimension is minimized while the connection functionality is preserved.

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

2Strength

If the collar protrudes clearly beyond the side surface to accommodate the groove and snap ring, then the groove can be produced and sufficient substance is provided for collar strength, but large construction space is required in the axial direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollar strengthVSAvoidaxial construction space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring ring is nested within the receiving space formed by the groove in the collar and the radially extending recess in the second toothed wheel part. This nesting allows the fastening element to be contained within the radial thickness of the toothed wheel parts rather than extending axially beyond them, significantly reducing the axial construction space while maintaining the assembly functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from an axial arrangement (where the snap ring would extend axially beyond the collar) to a radial arrangement (where the spring ring is contained within the radial thickness of the toothed wheel parts). By moving the fastening element into the radial dimension and utilizing the recess to contain it, the axial dimension is minimized while the connection functionality is preserved.

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

3Ease of operation

If a releasable positive locking connection is used with a snap ring, then the second toothed wheel part can be pulled off the collar, but the two toothed wheel parts are not connected in a non-releasable manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisassembly capabilityVSAvoidconnection permanence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the mechanical parameter of the spring ring from a relaxed state during assembly to a compressed/deformed state during operation. The spring ring is elastically deformed to fit through the groove during assembly, but once in position, its elastic recovery creates a strong retaining force that prevents accidental disassembly, thus changing from an easily removable state to a securely locked state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spring ring's elastic deformation and curved geometry allow it to be inserted in a compressed state and then expand to engage with the toothed wheel part, creating a secure connection. The curved, flexible nature of the spring ring enables it to deform during assembly and then maintain a strong retaining force through its elastic recovery, providing both ease of assembly and secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 achieves a significant reduction in axial construction space, allowing for more compact designs in applications like camshafts and compensating shafts, while ensuring the necessary strength and stability of the connection.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening element is formed as an elastically deformable spring ring which is disposed in a receiving space defined by the groove and the recess, and connects the two toothed wheel halves to each other in a non-releasable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8621951B2Divided tooth wheel
Publication Date: 2014.01.07 THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA TECCENTER AG
  • US8621951B2 patent drawing
  • US8621951B2 patent drawing
  • US8621951B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A divided toothed wheel having two toothed wheel halves which are tensioned in relation to each other. The first toothed wheel half includes a hollow cylindrical collar with a groove, to which the second toothed wheel half is secured in a form-fitting engagement by a securing element inserted into the groove. The divided tooth wheel takes up a minimum amount of space from the axial direction and has two halves which are permanently connected together. The second toothed wheel half has a radially extending recess and the securing element is designed as an elastically shapeable ring which is arranged in a receiving chamber defined by the groove and the recess and the two toothed wheel halves are permanently joined together.