Harmonic Balancer Axial Length Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power train designs, particularly in internal combustion engines, face challenges in reducing axial length while effectively addressing torque fluctuations, which affects fuel economy and component size reduction.
Innovation Solution
A reduced axial length harmonic balancer assembly is developed, comprising a drive plate with a first elastomeric ring connected to an inertia ring, and optionally a support plate with a second elastomeric ring, to absorb torque undulations and reduce axial length by using vulcanized or bonded connections and tabs for secure mechanical attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional harmonic balancer design is used, then torque fluctuations can be absorbed, but axial length is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the harmonic balancer from a traditional multi-layer axial stacking to a more compact radial arrangement where the inertia ring is positioned radially outward from the drive plate, with elastomeric rings connecting them in a folded configuration. This dimensional reorganization reduces the axial footprint while maintaining the torque absorption function through the same elastomeric deformation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the inertia ring is positioned within the radial envelope of the drive plate assembly, and the elastomeric rings are folded back onto themselves in a compact configuration. The support plate and additional elastomeric rings are nested within the existing structure, creating a space-efficient design that maintains all necessary functional elements in a reduced axial package.
2Length of moving object
If reduced axial length is achieved, then power train size is reduced, but mechanical connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining metal components (drive plate, inertia ring, support plate) with elastomeric materials (vulcanized rubber rings). The elastomeric rings are bonded to the metal surfaces using adhesive bonding and mechanical interlocking through recesses and protrusions, creating a composite structure that achieves both compact dimensions and strong mechanical connections through the synergistic properties of different materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection system into multiple discrete elastomeric rings bonded at specific locations rather than using a single monolithic connection structure. The drive plate, inertia ring, and support plate are segmented components connected by these discrete elastomeric elements, allowing for optimized bonding surfaces and distributed stress paths that enhance overall connection strength within the reduced axial envelope.
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 effectively reduces the axial length of the harmonic balancer, smoothing out torque fluctuations and enhancing fuel efficiency by providing a strong mechanical connection and reduced thickness, thus improving power train design.
Implementation Method 1
a first circumferentially extending elastomeric ring connected to an axial face of the drive plate. An inertia ring is provided having an axial face connected to the first elastomeric ring
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric ring is preferably at least one of vulcanized, bonded, or otherwise adhered to the drive plate and the inertia ring
Data Source
AI summary
A harmonic balancer assembly is provided including a drive plate adapted to be attached to a crankshaft or other drive shaft. A first circumferentially extending elastomeric ring is connected to an axial face of the drive plate. An inertia ring is provided which also includes an axial face that is connected to the first elastomeric ring. A drive element can be connected to or engaged with the inertia ring in order to transmit torque from the drive plate to a further element in a drive train. The inertia ring can be connected to a pulley, a torque converter, or other transmission element in order to, for example, transfer torque from a crankshaft to a further transmission component or to transfer torque to a separate power take off.