Dual-Mass Flywheel Torque Limiter for Angular Offset Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-mass swinging wheels face challenges in accommodating angular offsets between the output hub and crankshaft screw connections, which can lead to issues with clutch engagement and potential premature failure of components.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an output hub with an integrated plate spring that is axially clamped between the output hub and one of the counter-discs, providing compression and ensuring proper alignment and engagement of the clutch, while a holding sheet supports the plate spring to prevent deformation during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the output hub is rigidly connected to the counter-disks, then torque transmission is efficient, but angular misalignment between bores and screw connections cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment capabilityVSAvoidclutch engagement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The output hub is made detachably connectable to the counter-disks, allowing the connection state to change dynamically between engaged and disengaged. This enables the system to adapt between rigid torque transmission and flexible alignment adjustment, resolving the contradiction between efficient torque transmission and alignment accommodation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between output hub and counter-disks is segmented into detachable parts with a toothing engagement mechanism. This segmentation allows the output hub to be independently positioned relative to the counter-disks, enabling angular adjustment while maintaining secure mechanical connection when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the disc spring is directly clamped between the output hub and counter-disks, then assembly is simple, but the disc spring deforms during riveting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoiddisc spring positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A retaining plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the disc spring and counter-disks. The retaining plate has a recess that receives the disc spring, preventing it from deforming during riveting. This intermediary protects the disc spring while maintaining assembly simplicity, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the output hub is fixed in position, then torque transmission is stable, but angular offsets cause clutch engagement issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission stabilityVSAvoidangular offset accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The output hub's connection to counter-disks is made dynamic and adjustable through detachable toothing engagement. This allows the output hub to be positioned at different angular orientations during assembly, accommodating angular offsets while maintaining stable torque transmission once engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable toothing connection allows preliminary angular adjustment of the output hub before final engagement. This preliminary positioning action enables alignment of bores with screw connections, after which stable torque transmission is achieved through secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for effective clutch engagement and torque transfer, even with angular offsets, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the two-mass swinging wheel system.

Implementation Method 1

The output hub is axially loaded by a disc spring with a pressure force acting in a direction towards the primary side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The disc spring rests on a retaining plate attached to the counter discs. The retaining plate prevents deformation of the disc spring during assembly of the rivets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Implementation Method 3

A friction device on the secondary side serves as a torque limiter (TLM)... two counter-disks riveted to one another which are in frictional contact with a secondary flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4097372B1Dual-mass flywheel with detachable torque limiter
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP4097372B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4097372B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dual-mass flywheel (1) having a primary side (2) and a secondary side (3) that are rotatable relative to one another counter to a resetting moment of an energy store (4), comprising a secondary-side torque limiter (14), comprising two counterpart discs (12, 13) which are riveted together and which are in frictional contact with a secondary flange (8), and comprising an output hub (18) which is coupled to the counterpart discs (12, 13) for the transmission of a torque, wherein the output hub (18) has a toothing (19) that is in engagement with a toothing (17) of one of the counterpart discs (13), wherein the output hub (18) is acted on axially by a disk spring (25) with a pressure force acting toward a stop (12) in the direction of the primary side (2).