Filtering Pulley with Electromagnetic Decoupling for Torsional Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for decoupling the crankshaft from the transmission in internal combustion engines are complex, costly, and lack precise control, especially in hybrid systems where energy efficiency is compromised due to torsional vibrations and passive loads.

Innovation Solution

A filtering pulley with a hub connected to the crankshaft, an annular crown with elastic elements and a dynamic damper, and an actuator system using electromagnetic means for selective coupling and decoupling, allowing torque transmission only within specific angular ranges, enabling efficient energy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing decoupling systems are used to separate the crankshaft from the transmission, then the pulley can be decoupled from the crankshaft when the electric motor is active, but the systems are complex, cumbersome, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoupling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the decoupling mechanism with the filtering pulley structure itself, integrating the actuator and elastic elements directly into the pulley assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate decoupling systems while maintaining the ability to disconnect the crankshaft from the transmission when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering pulley is designed to perform multiple functions: filtering torsional vibrations through elastic elements, transmitting torque when engaged, and decoupling the crankshaft when the electric motor is active. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing decoupling systems are used, then the pulley can be decoupled from the crankshaft, but precise control of coupling and decoupling is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoupling capabilityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is controlled based on operational conditions such as whether the electric motor is active or not. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the coupling and decoupling states, ensuring the pulley is properly connected or disconnected at the appropriate times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If disc clutches are used for decoupling, then the pulley can be disconnected from the crankshaft, but the system becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoupling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the decoupling function from complex disc clutch systems and implements it through a simplified actuator mechanism integrated into the filtering pulley. This extraction maintains the essential decoupling capability while eliminating unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If purely single-direction freewheeling systems are used, then decoupling is achieved, but precise control of coupling and decoupling is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoupling capabilityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static single-direction freewheeling to a dynamic controlled mechanism where the actuator can actively engage and disengage the coupling based on operational requirements. This dynamic control enables precise timing and conditions for coupling and decoupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and precisely controlled decoupling mechanism that enhances energy efficiency by minimizing energy consumption and reducing torsional vibrations, suitable for both conventional and hybrid engine operations.

Implementation Method 1

one or more elastic elements through which the driving torque is transmitted from the hub to the crown

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an actuator system using electromagnetic means for selective coupling and decoupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

an annular crown with elastic elements and a dynamic damper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4143462B1Improved filtering pulley
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 PROPULSION SOLUTIONS SRL
  • EP4143462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4143462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4143462B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A Filtering pulley (1) comprising a hub (2) configured to be fixed to a shaft rotating around an axis (A), a crown (3) mounted coaxial and rotationally free on the hub (2), a plurality of elastic groups (20) arranged circumferentially with respect to the hub (2) and to the crown (3) and interposed, each, between a pair of first elements integral with the hub (2) and between a pair of second elements (16, 17) integral with the crown (3), the first elements comprising at least two spokes (31), carried by an actuator (30), wherein the actuator (30) is made of two portions (32, 33) that are selectively geared between them to selectively connect the crown (3) to the hub (2).