Filtering Pulley With Integrated Damping for Torsional Vibrations

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtering pulleys for internal combustion engines are expensive, complex, and ineffective in damping torsional vibrations, particularly at start-up and low engine speeds, especially with dual-clutch gearboxes or start-stop systems.

Innovation Solution

A filtering pulley design featuring a hub with a flanged portion, a crown supported rotationally free by support means, and an integrated filtering group with elastic elements and actuator means to selectively transmit torque, along with sealing and damping mechanisms to reduce contamination and enhance vibration damping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vibration damper coupled to a filtering pulley actuator is used, then the filtering pulley can damp torsional vibrations, but the construction becomes particularly expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration damping effectivenessVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vibration damping function and the filtering pulley actuator function into a single integrated unit. The actuator housing contains both the actuator mechanism and the vibration damper, with the damper piston rod directly coupled to the actuator piston. This integration eliminates the need for separate vibration damper and actuator components, reducing construction complexity while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the filtering pulley actuator for belt tension control and the vibration damper for torsional vibration reduction. The actuator piston and damper piston rod are coupled to provide dual functionality from a single integrated structure, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a vibration damper coupled to a filtering pulley actuator is used, then the filtering pulley can damp torsional vibrations, but the cost of fitting and manufacturing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration damping effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vibration damping function and the filtering pulley actuator function into a single integrated unit. The actuator housing contains both the actuator mechanism and the vibration damper, with the damper piston rod directly coupled to the actuator piston. This integration eliminates the need for separate vibration damper and actuator components, reducing construction complexity while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the filtering pulley actuator for belt tension control and the vibration damper for torsional vibration reduction. The actuator piston and damper piston rod are coupled to provide dual functionality from a single integrated structure, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design provides effective and cost-efficient damping of torsional vibrations, reduces assembly complexity, and minimizes contamination while ensuring robust operation and easy assembly.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

sealing and damping mechanisms to reduce contamination and enhance vibration damping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20260016077A1Improved filtering pulley

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 MUVIQ SRL

AI summary

A filtering pulley has a hub adapted to be fixed to a shaft rotating around an axis (A) and a crown mounted in a rotationally free coaxial way with respect to the hub. The crown has a profile configured to cooperate with a mechanical transmission element, and the hub has a main portion configured to connect the hub to the rotating shaft and an end portion extending axially from a tubular portion thereof. The pulley has a filtering group operatively interposed between the hub and the crown, which has a cup element defining a space, elastic means movably housed inside the space, and actuator means configured to cooperate in contact with the elastic means. The pulley also has a damper integral with the hub. The actuator means and the damper are carried by the end portion of the hub.