Elastic Coupling With Rubber Spring Units for Compact Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch devices for transmitting torque are costly to manufacture, heavy, and have a large volume, failing to meet the requirements of cost-effectiveness, weight minimization, and compactness in vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
The clutch device employs two couplings with plate-shaped rubber-elastic springs distributed over the circumference, forming preassembled structural spring units that are easily assembled using conventional tools, eliminating the need for special mounting devices and allowing for easy replacement, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional clutch devices are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases, weight increases, and volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch device is divided into multiple independent spring units distributed around the circumference, each consisting of a carrier, spring plates, and support plates. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual units while maintaining overall torque transmission capability through the collective action of all units.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring units utilize composite construction with spring plates made of rubber-elastic material bonded to metal carriers and support plates. This combination of materials provides both the elasticity needed for vibration damping and the structural strength for torque transmission, reducing weight and cost compared to fully metal conventional designs.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex mounting devices are used, then precise assembly is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring plates are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the carriers during manufacturing, forming complete spring units before final installation. This preliminary assembly ensures precise positioning and orientation, eliminating the need for complex mounting devices during final installation while maintaining assembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped carriers are designed to automatically position and orient the spring plates correctly through their geometric shape alone. The spring units self-align during installation without requiring specialized mounting equipment, reducing device complexity while ensuring precise assembly.
3Ease of repair
If spring units are made replaceable, then maintenance ease improves, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Each spring unit is designed as an independent, self-contained module that can be easily removed and replaced without affecting other units. The modular segmentation enables simple maintenance while the standardized connection interface maintains reliable torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring plates, support plates, and carriers are permanently bonded together through vulcanization to form integrated spring units. This merging ensures reliable internal connections within each module while the external mounting interface remains simple and replaceable, balancing maintenance ease with connection reliability.
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 results in a cost-effective, lightweight, and compact clutch device that can transmit torque efficiently while compensating for torsional vibrations, with the spring units acting in both directions of rotation and being easily replaceable without disassembly of the drive.
Implementation Method 1
plate-shaped springs (spring plates) made of rubber-elastic material
Implementation Method 2
plate-shaped springs (spring plates) made of rubber-elastic material, which can be twisted relative to one another to a limited extent against the force of springs
Implementation Method 3
Each carrier has - seen in plan view of the coupling axis - the contour of a wedge that tapers radially inwards. Pressure is exerted on the spring unit from the outside in the radial direction, for example by inserting a tension screw into the wedge-shaped carrier from the outside and screwing it into the flange
Implementation Method 4
Each carrier has - seen in plan view of the coupling axis - the contour of a wedge that tapers radially inwards
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an elastic coupling, comprising a primary part; comprising a secondary part; the primary part and secondary part being rotatable relative to each other to a limited extent against the force of springs; the springs comprising plate-shaped spring plates made of rubber-elastic material; support plates being arranged between the spring plates; a plurality of carriers for carrying the spring plates and the support plates being distributed over the circumference of the coupling. The invention is characterized by the following features: each carrier has the contour of a wedge tapered radially inward, as viewed from above along the coupling axis; a packet of alternating spring plates and support plates is located on both sides of each carrier, said packets being adjacent to the two wedge surfaces of the carrier.