Hybrid Powertrain Damper Alignment via Pre-Positioned Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid powertrain systems face challenges in efficiently connecting engines to electric machines while effectively damping vibrations and facilitating assembly, leading to potential misalignment and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an engine damper system that includes a drive disc connected to a flex plate via studs, a driven disc connected by a resilient member, and a hub non-rotatably connected to a shaft, with connectors aligning through circumferentially arranged holes to secure the driven disc to the hub, facilitating alignment and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional connection methods are used to connect the engine to the electric machine, then the structural design is simple, but the alignment precision is poor and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the hub with holes arranged in a specific pattern before assembly. These pre-positioned holes guide the alignment process, ensuring that the driven disc aligns precisely with the flex plate during assembly, thereby improving alignment precision without significantly increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric pattern of holes only in the critical alignment regions of the hub and driven disc. This localized feature concentration ensures precise alignment at key connection points without requiring the entire structure to be more complex
2Manufacturing precision
If the hub and driven disc are connected without pre-aligned holes, then the structure is simpler, but misalignment occurs during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is manufactured with holes pre-positioned in a specific circumferential pattern before the assembly process. This preliminary configuration of alignment features ensures that when the driven disc is installed, the holes automatically align, preventing misalignment issues while maintaining ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patterned holes in the hub act as an intermediary alignment mechanism between the driven disc and flex plate. These holes serve as guide features that mediate the connection process, ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures
3Strength
If multiple connection points are used to secure the driven disc to the hub, then the connection strength increases, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple discrete connection points represented by the patterned holes distributed circumferentially around the hub. This segmentation allows the driven disc to be secured at multiple locations, increasing overall connection strength while maintaining assembly simplicity through the regular geometric pattern of the segmented connection points
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 enhances the assembly process by ensuring precise alignment and secure connection of the engine to the electric machine, reducing vibration and improving the overall efficiency of the hybrid powertrain system.
Implementation Method 1
a driven disc connected to the drive disc by a resilient member
Data Source
AI summary
An engine damper includes a drive disc having a plurality of studs circumferentially arranged to be received in a flex plate and a driven disc connected to the drive disc by a resilient member. The driven disc defines a plurality of circumferentially arranged first holes arranged in a first pattern. A hub is configured to non-rotatably connect to a shaft. The hub defines a plurality of second holes circumferentially arranged in a second pattern that corresponds to the first pattern. Connectors are disposed in the first and second holes to connect the hub to the driven disc.