Engine Cover Coupling with Elastic Damping for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling systems between engine and cover in the automobile industry are complex, requiring three separate components and failing to efficiently absorb vibrations and noise, leading to high production costs and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A simplified coupling system comprising a plastic pin molded with the cover, a metal pin with a threaded body, and a damping element with elasticizing rings or alternating loops and projections, reducing components to three and enhancing vibration absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional coupling system with multiple separate components (pin, elastomeric recess, connection element) is used, then the connection between engine and cover is achieved, but the device complexity increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (pin, elastomeric recess, connection element) into an integrated coupling system where the damping element is directly molded onto the pin as a single piece. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the connection function and vibration damping performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin with integrated damping element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between engine and cover, absorbs vibrations through the damping element, and eliminates the need for separate elastomeric components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional coupling systems with multiple components are used, then connection is achieved, but production costs increase due to multiple manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is molded directly onto the pin in a single manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate production and assembly of elastomeric components. This reduces manufacturing steps and production costs while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is pre-formed by molding onto the pin during pin production, rather than being added as a separate component during assembly. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing process and reduces costs.
3Reliability
If conventional coupling devices are used, then connection is achieved, but aesthetic depressions occur on the cover surface
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is nested within or integrated into the pin structure, with its profile designed to match the pin's geometry. This nesting approach prevents aesthetic depressions on the cover surface by creating a smooth, integrated appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element's profile is specifically designed to match the local geometry of the pin and cover interface, ensuring that the connection is made without creating visible depressions or aesthetic defects on the cover surface.
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 new system effectively dampens vibrations and noise while reducing production costs and aesthetic depressions, achieving improved performance and cost savings by integrating components and optimizing vibration absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a damping element, provided with a first inlet end directed towards said plastic pin and with a second opposite end directed towards said metal pin
Implementation Method 2
each said ring being constituted by at least one pair of loops and a projection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5(c)
AI summary
Anti-vibration coupling system for a cover of an engine constituted by: plastic pin (1) provided with a semi-spherical head (12) and with a reinforcement (15); said plastic pin (1) preferably being provided with a central cavity (13) with circular section adapted to prevent the formation of a depression; metal pin (2) connected to said engine, provided with a threaded body (22) and with a first head (23), with polygonal section, and with a second head (24) with circular section; damping element (3), provided with a first inlet end (31) with a first semi-spherical recess (32) configured for being engaged with said head (12), and a second opposite end (37), with a second recess (38) and a third recess (39), mutually coaxial, adapted to be engaged with said first head (23) and said second head (39) of said metal pin (2); said damping element (3) being provided, on the outer surface (33) thereof, with an elasticizing ring (34), constituted by at least one circular loop that is suitably sized and positioned on said lateral surface (33) in order to increase the elasticity of said damping element (3) in a pre-established point; said damping element (3) also being provided with through holes (4) in order to further increase the elasticity thereof.