Flywheel Coupling Axial Play Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coupling a motor vehicle drive shaft and transmission shaft with a friction clutch device and flywheel suffer from axial positioning tolerance issues, leading to knocking noises and complex, costly anti-noise devices that do not fully eliminate circumferential play.
Innovation Solution
The system employs adjustable axial fitting means with circumferential clamping and blocking mechanisms, using a lug and clamp design with resilient return and a bolt-nut assembly to ensure rigid engagement without circumferential play, allowing for axial adjustment and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flywheel is fitted to be mobile axially relative to the reaction plate to accommodate axial positioning tolerance, then the axial tolerance is absorbed, but knocking noises occur between the connection element teeth and grooves during sudden speed variations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed with resilient return means that allow dynamic adjustment and absorption of axial movements while maintaining circumferential engagement. The resilient mechanism enables the connection element to adapt to axial tolerances without rigid contact, eliminating knocking noises during speed variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the connection from rigid to compliant by introducing resilient return means. This parameter change allows the connection element to deform elastically under axial loads, absorbing tolerance variations without generating impact noises.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-stressing circumferential resilient return means are used to prevent knocking, then noise is deadened, but the device becomes complex and onerous to produce with many additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient return means are integrated directly into the connection element structure itself, merging the noise reduction function with the primary connection function. This eliminates the need for separate anti-noise devices and reduces the total part count while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides circumferential engagement, accommodates axial tolerances, and reduces knocking noises through its resilient properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grooved section and connection element are used to permit axial displacement, then axial tolerance is accommodated, but substantial circumferential play greater than 1 mm exists between teeth and grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element employs a dynamic engagement mechanism where resilient return means maintain continuous circumferential contact pressure. This dynamic pressure compensates for manufacturing tolerances and eliminates substantial circumferential play while preserving axial displacement capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the coupling system uses adjustable axial fitting means with circumferential clamping, then circumferential play is eliminated and noise is reduced, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable axial fitting and circumferential clamping functions are merged into a single integrated connection element design. The resilient return means and clamping action work together as one unified mechanism, simplifying assembly while achieving precise circumferential engagement.
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
This solution effectively eliminates axial tolerance-related noises and substantial circumferential play, simplifying assembly and reducing production costs by providing a clear and efficient mechanism for coupling the drive shaft and flywheel.
Implementation Method 1
means for resilient return of the jaws in their clamped state
Data Source
AI summary
A system (10) for coupling a drive shaft (12) of a motor vehicle and a coaxial transmission shaft (14A, 14B) is disclosed. The coupling includes a front friction clutch device (22) which comprises a rotary drive assembly (40) comprising a reaction plate (24). The coupling further includes a rear flywheel (20) coaxial to the drive assembly (40), which flywheel is designed to be connected in rotation to the drive shaft (12). The coupling further includes an element (54, 56) for connection in rotation of the flywheel (20) and the drive assembly (40) of the clutch device (22), which includes a first, male element (54) and a second, female element (56) which are designed to be fitted axially in a sliding manner. The elements (54, 56) are provided with fittings which are adjustable axially in a predetermined gap, in that a further element (60) is provided for circumferential clamping of the male element (54) into the female element (56) in a clamped state, the male (54) and female (56) elements being positioned and engaged without circumferential play, and in that the coupling includes additional (66, 68) fasteners for blocking the male (54) and female (56) elements rigidly in their clamped state.