Nested Elastic Coupling for Engine-Fan Torsional Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing couplings in engineering machinery, such as excavator loaders and skid steer loaders, face challenges in effectively damping torsional vibrations between engines and fans, leading to potential failures and reduced structural stability due to limited vibration damping performance and positioning reliability.

Innovation Solution

A coupling design incorporating a first and second mounting base, a vibration damper, and positioning members with elasticity, which provide two-level vibration damping and reliable positioning to reduce torsional vibrations and axial movement, enhancing structural stability and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional coupling with single-level vibration damping is used, then the structure is simple, but the vibration damping performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration damping performanceVSAvoidcoupling structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into two independent mounting bases (first mounting base and second mounting base) connected by elastic positioning members. Each mounting base can independently damp vibrations, creating a two-level vibration damping system that improves reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first shaft is sleeved inside the second shaft, with the first mounting base nested within the second mounting base. This nested configuration allows both mounting bases to coexist in a compact arrangement, improving vibration damping performance without significantly increasing the overall device footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the coupling uses rigid connection, then the positioning is stable, but the torsional vibration transmission is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidtorsional vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning members are designed with elastic properties, changing the connection parameter from rigid to flexible. This allows the members to deform elastically under torsional vibration, absorbing vibration energy while maintaining positioning reliability through their elastic restoring force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning members are made of elastic materials that combine rigidity for positioning with flexibility for vibration damping. This composite approach allows the same component to provide both stable positioning and torsional vibration reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Power

If the fan is directly connected to the engine, then the power transmission is efficient, but the fan may fall off and damage the radiator core due to excessive vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidfan connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling acts as an intermediary component between the engine and fan, with elastic positioning members that provide both power transmission and vibration damping. This intermediary structure protects the fan connection from excessive vibration while maintaining efficient power transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 proposed coupling achieves improved vibration damping performance, increased structural stability, and reduced risk of part failure by effectively absorbing torsional vibrations and maintaining coaxiality between the engine and fan, thereby enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the mechanical system.

Implementation Method 1

at least one positioning member, the positioning member having elasticity and being arranged between the first shaft and the second mounting base for supporting and positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a vibration damper, connected to the first flange and sleeved outside the second shaft for vibration damping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4198331B1Coupling and mechanical system
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 JIANGSU XCMG CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY RESEARCH INSTITUTE LTD
  • EP4198331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4198331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4198331B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to a coupling and a mechanical system. The coupling (10) includes: a first mounting base (11), including a first flange (11) and a first shaft (12) which are connected with each other, wherein the first flange (11) is configured to be connected to an engine (20); a second mounting base (2), including g a second shaft (22) and a second flange (21), wherein the second shaft (22) is sleeved outside the first shaft (12), and the second flange (21) is connected to an end, away from the first flange (11), of the second shaft (22) and is configured to be connected to a fan (40); a vibration damper (3), connected to the first flange (11) and sleeved outside the second shaft (22) for vibration damping; and at least one positioning member (4), the positioning member (4) having elasticity and being arranged between the first shaft (12) and the second mounting base (2) for supporting and positioning. Based on this, the performance of the coupling is effectively improved.