Exhaust Flap Coupling with Radial Support for Precise Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling arrangements for pivoting drives of exhaust gas flaps in internal combustion engines lack a defined positioning mechanism for coupling elements transverse to the pivoting axis, leading to potential misalignment and increased heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A coupling arrangement featuring a first and second coupling element with radial and circumferential support areas, where a biasing member generates forces to ensure defined positioning and centering of the elements, utilizing radial support projections and a prestressing spring to maintain alignment and minimize heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If only circumferential support areas are provided for rotary coupling projections, then the coupling elements can rotate relative to each other, but the positioning of coupling elements transverse to the pivoting axis is not defined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radial support areas in addition to the existing circumferential support areas, adding a new dimension of support. The radial support areas extend radially inwardly from the outer peripheral area of the coupling region, creating a two-dimensional support system (radial + circumferential) that defines positioning in multiple directions transverse to the pivoting axis, thereby resolving the positioning precision issue without excessive complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If radial support areas are added to define positioning transverse to the pivoting axis, then positioning precision is improved, but heat transfer between coupling elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial support areas are designed with specific local characteristics: they extend radially inwardly but are delimited in the circumferential direction by spacing between rotary coupling projections and rotary coupling recesses. This local quality ensures that heat transfer contact is minimized to only the necessary extent for positioning, while still achieving defined positioning transverse to the pivoting axis through the radial support function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If coupling elements are supported only in the circumferential direction, then heat transfer is minimized, but defined positioning transverse to the pivoting axis is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into distinct functional zones: circumferential support areas for rotational support and minimal heat transfer, and radial support areas for positional definition transverse to the pivoting axis. The radial support areas are further segmented into multiple discrete areas associated with different rotary coupling projections, allowing selective heat transfer contact only where positioning is required while maintaining thermal isolation in other areas.
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
Ensures precise positioning and centering of coupling elements transverse to the pivot axis while minimizing heat transfer, enhancing the stability and operational efficiency of the exhaust gas flap system.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member for generating a force acting in the circumferential direction between the first coupling element and the second coupling element
Implementation Method 2
a radial support area supporting one coupling element essentially radially with respect to the other coupling element is provided on one coupling element in association with at least one rotary coupling projection
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A coupling arrangement for the rotary coupling of a drive element (34) of a rotary actuator (12) of an exhaust flap (10) for the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine with a pivot shaft (18) rotatable about a pivot axis (A), comprising a first coupling element (36) with a coupling area (40) to be coupled to a pivot shaft (18) for common rotation about the pivot axis (A), a second coupling element (38) with a coupling area (47) to be coupled to a drive element (34) for common rotation about the pivot axis (A), a preloading element (74) for generating a force acting on the first coupling element (36) and the second coupling element (38) substantially in the circumferential direction with respect to each other, wherein a coupling element of the first coupling element (36) and the second coupling element (38) extends radially outwards at least two times with respect to the coupling area (40) of this coupling element. extending rotary coupling projections (46,48) and the other coupling element of first coupling element (36) and second coupling element 38) comprises, in association with each rotary coupling projection (46, 48) of one coupling element, a rotary coupling recess (68, 70) receiving the rotary coupling projection (46, 48), wherein a circumferential support area (76, 78) is provided on each rotary coupling projection (46, 48) and each rotary coupling recess (68, 70) is limited in the circumferential direction by a counter-circumferential support area (80, 82), wherein the circumferential support area (76, 78) of each rotary coupling projection (46, 48) received in a rotary coupling recess (68, 70) is secured by the pretensioning element (74) in contact with the counter-circumferential support area (80, 82) of the respective The rotary coupling projection (46, 48) receiving the rotary coupling recess (68, 70) is pre-tensioned, is characterized bythat on one coupling element, in association with at least one rotary coupling projection (48), a radial support area (96, 98) is provided in the circumferential direction on at least one side of the rotary coupling projection (48), which supports one coupling element substantially radially with respect to the other coupling element.