Harmonic Pulley System for Supercharger Belt Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supercharger systems face challenges in compact engine compartments, including limited access for replacing harmonic balancers, increased installation costs, and potential loss of engine horsepower due to improper belt alignment, which can lead to safety concerns and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A harmonic pulley system mounted on a crankshaft with a single bolt, featuring a driveshaft pulley, harmonic balancer, and alignment structure, allowing for easy installation and alignment without removing the engine, using a wider ribbed belt for increased horsepower and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional harmonic balancer replacement method is used, then proper belt alignment can be achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming due to engine removal requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt alignmentVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the harmonic balancer into two functional components: the original harmonic balancer that remains on the crankshaft, and a separate drive pulley that attaches to the harmonic balancer. This segmentation allows the drive pulley to be installed and removed independently without engine removal, while the original harmonic balancer maintains proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a dual-purpose drive pulley that acts as an intermediary component between the harmonic balancer and the belt drive system. This intermediary element can be attached to the harmonic balancer for proper alignment during installation, then removed afterward, simplifying the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single-bolt attachment system is used, then installation complexity is reduced, but the structural strength and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment systemVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the harmonic balancer and drive pulley functions into a single integrated assembly during operation. The drive pulley is firmly attached to the harmonic balancer using a single bolt that passes through both components, combining their structural integrity while simplifying installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If aftermarket harmonic balancers are used, then supercharger installation becomes possible, but installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupercharger compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drive pulley is designed with a universal interface that can attach to various harmonic balancer types through the standard single-bolt configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same drive pulley design to work with different harmonic balancers and engine configurations, reducing the need for custom aftermarket parts and lowering installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient mechanical driving of the engine with improved belt alignment, reducing installation complexity and costs, maintaining engine performance, and ensuring safety by allowing wider belt usage without obstructing the crankshaft.

Implementation Method 1

harmonic balancer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHarmonic oscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 2

harmonic balancer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

drive belt encircles the engaging surface and the supercharger driveshaft whereby the supercharger is mechanically driven

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7281528B2Method and apparatus for a mechanically driven supercharger

Publication Date: 2007.10.16 ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for mechanically driving a supercharger and a combination harmonic pulley system and supercharger mounted on a powered vehicle including a crankshaft, the supercharger having a supercharger driveshaft and adapted to provide boost air to the intake of the internal combustion engine, driving the crankshaft which rotates the harmonic pulley system. In general the harmonic pulley system includes a harmonic balancer, a drive shaft pulley, a crankshaft bolt, an alignment structure and a drive belt. The harmonic balancer having a first and second ledge, an annular ring and a central aperture, the driveshaft pulley having an inner and outer region, the inner region includes a first shoulder and presenting a pulley aperture aligned with the central aperture, the outer region including a second shoulder and providing an engaging surface. The crankshaft bolt is received by the engine crankshaft through the pulley aperture and the central aperture wherein said driveshaft pulley is compressed towards the harmonic balancer, the first ledge receiving the first shoulder and the second ledge receiving the second shoulder, said annular ring positioned therebetween. The alignment structure aligns the driveshaft pulley with said harmonic balancer and the drive belt encircles the engaging surface and the supercharger driveshaft whereby the supercharger is mechanically driven by said harmonic pulley system.