Flywheel Support Device for Crankshaft Starter Generator Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive train modules for motor vehicles face challenges in tool accessibility and component support during assembly and disassembly, particularly in restricted spaces, leading to potential damage to transmission converters and flex plates due to the high mass and long lever arm of the assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A drive train module with a support device extending axially from the flywheel, allowing telescopic displacement and support of the rotor relative to the flywheel, enabling secure assembly and disassembly without uncontrolled sagging, and an adapter connection mechanism that allows screwing to the transmission without disassembling the flywheel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flywheel and crankshaft starter generator are securely supported during disassembly, then damage to transmission converters and flex plates is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to the additional support device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of component damageVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A support device is introduced as an intermediary element between the flywheel and the rotor carrier. This support device provides a controlled connection path that supports the high mass assemblies during disassembly, preventing uncontrolled sagging and potential damage to transmission converters and flex plates, while maintaining manageable structural complexity through a dedicated support mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device enables dynamic adjustment of the connection between the flywheel and rotor carrier during disassembly operations. The support can be engaged or disengaged as needed, providing flexibility in handling the heavy assemblies while preventing damage during critical disassembly phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If tool accessibility is improved during disassembly, then the ease of operation increases, but the device complexity increases due to the telescopic displacement mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor carrier is designed with telescopic displacement capability along the support device, allowing it to move axially relative to the flywheel. This dynamic positioning enables tools to access fastening means that secure the rotor carrier to the flywheel by creating sufficient working space, while the telescopic mechanism itself remains a manageable structural addition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support device extends in the axial direction, creating displacement freedom along this dimension. This axial telescopic movement provides the necessary space for tool insertion and operation without requiring complex lateral or rotational adjustments, simplifying the overall mechanism while improving accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of repair

If the rotor is detachably coupled to the flywheel, then the ease of repair increases for the transmission, but the reliability of torque transmission decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission replaceabilityVSAvoidtorque transmission integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train module is segmented into separable components: the rotor carrier with adapter connection means can be detached from the flywheel. This segmentation enables the transmission to be removed and replaced independently for repair purposes, while the rotor carrier itself maintains structural integrity for torque transmission when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter connection means serves as an intermediary coupling mechanism between the rotor carrier and the transmission. This intermediate connection allows for reliable torque transmission during operation while enabling straightforward detachment for repair, bridging the gap between reliability and ease of repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3587159B1Power transmission module for a motor vehicle and method of assembling and disassembling a power transmission module
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3587159B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3587159B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3587159B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a powertrain module for a motor vehicle, in particular an arrangement comprising a flywheel and a crankshaft starter generator. The invention further relates to an assembly and disassembly method for such a powertrain module. The powertrain module for a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprises a flywheel (80) with a flywheel housing (81) and a crankshaft starter generator (60), which can be fixedly mounted on the drive side of the flywheel housing (81) and on the output side of a transmission (10). The rotor (40) of the crankshaft starter generator can be detachably and rotationally fixedly coupled to the flywheel (80). Furthermore, a support device (88) extending axially on the output side is attached to the flywheel housing (81), along which the rotor (40) can be displaced axially when the rotor (40) is detached from the flywheel housing (81).