Flywheel Pendulum Absorber Stops for Noise and Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current centrifugal pendulum absorbers for flywheels are difficult to mount reliably and cost-effectively, and they often generate disturbing noise due to engine vibrations in modern vehicles with more fuel-efficient engines.

Innovation Solution

A centrifugal pendulum absorber with pendulum weights arranged circumferentially around a center axis, featuring stopping elements made of copper alloys like brass and bronze, which reduce noise and increase reliability by providing improved dampening properties and a durable configuration, with the stopping elements positioned radially inwardly to facilitate lubrication and easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional stopping elements are used in centrifugal pendulum absorbers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but disturbing noise is generated during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stopping element material is changed from traditional steel to copper alloy, fundamentally altering the physical parameters of the component. This material substitution changes the acoustic properties and damping characteristics, thereby reducing noise generation during pendulum weight contact while maintaining the same structural configuration and manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs copper alloy as a composite material solution for the stopping element. This material choice combines the beneficial properties of copper alloys - including inherent damping characteristics and noise reduction capabilities - with the functional requirements of the stopping element, achieving noise control without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If centrifugal pendulum absorbers are installed to reduce vibrations, then vibration damping is improved, but mounting reliability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stopping element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed and replaced. This segmentation allows for simplified mounting procedures where the stopping element can be attached to the flywheel or pendulum weight assembly without requiring complex integration, thereby improving mounting reliability while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stopping element is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged. This approach reduces the cost and complexity of maintenance, as individual stopping elements can be replaced without replacing the entire pendulum absorber assembly, improving cost-effectiveness and mounting reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If stopping elements are positioned to define end points of pendulum paths, then pendulum motion is controlled, but noise and wear increase without proper material selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The material composition of the stopping element is fundamentally changed to copper alloy, which possesses superior damping properties compared to traditional materials. This parameter change in material composition directly reduces noise generation during impact while simultaneously decreasing wear, thereby extending service life without compromising the endpoint control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The impact contact between pendulum weights and stopping elements, which traditionally generates noise and wear, is transformed into a beneficial damping action through the use of copper alloy. The material's inherent damping properties convert the harmful impact energy into reduced noise and minimized wear, extending component service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 significantly reduces unwanted noise and increases the service life of the centrifugal pendulum absorber, enhancing its reliability and cost-effectiveness by using copper alloys for dampening and positioning the stopping elements to improve lubrication and maintenance accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

the ring can perform a frictional sliding movement relative to the carrier disk by the pendulum motions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the copper alloy has shown to provide beneficial dampening properties which reduce the noise when the pendulum weight contacts the stopping element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

Centrifugal pendulum absorbers for flywheels include a number of pendulum weights arranged circumferentially around a center axis of the flywheel, which pendulum weights are movable with respect to the flywheel, thereby dampening vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPendulum motion: Pendulum

Implementation Method 4

pendulum weights are movable with respect to the flywheel, thereby dampening vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 5

The flywheel is used for evening out uneven power output from the engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlywheel effect: Flywheel

Implementation Method 6

centrifugal pendulum absorber for a flywheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP4230894A1A centrifugal pendulum absorber
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

The invention relates to a centrifugal pendulum absorber (2) for a flywheel (1), comprising, - a plurality of pendulum weights (200) being arranged circumferentially around a center axis (C) of the centrifugal pendulum absorber, each pendulum weight being configured to be movable along a predetermined pendulum path during use, wherein, - the centrifugal pendulum absorber further comprising at least one stopping element (500) for at least one of the pendulum weights which is positioned such that it defines an end point of the predetermined pendulum path, at which end point the at least one of the pendulum weights is configured to come into contact with the at least one stopping element, wherein the at least one stopping element is located radially inwardly with respect to the at least one of the pendulum weights which the at least one stopping element is configured to contact.