Hysteresis Torque Mechanism With Break-In Contact Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the initial phase of use, hysteresis torque generated by a friction member is not stabilized due to manufacturing errors causing non-uniform frictional slide surfaces, leading to unstable contact and torque generation.

Innovation Solution

A hysteresis torque generating mechanism with an initial contact portion and a main friction surface, where the initial contact portion protrudes to ensure stable frictional contact in the initial phase, transitioning to the main friction surface after abrasion to maintain consistent torque generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a friction member with a uniform frictional slide surface is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but in the initial phase of use the hysteresis torque is still unstable due to surface non-uniformity from manufacturing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrictional slide surface uniformityVSAvoidhysteresis torque stability in initial phase

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The initial contact portion is designed to protrude from the main friction surface before use, creating a preliminary contact interface that ensures stable hysteresis torque generation in the initial phase. This preliminary structural arrangement compensates for manufacturing errors and establishes reliable contact before the friction surfaces are fully worn in.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The friction member's contact surface is segmented into two distinct zones: the initial contact portion that protrudes and provides stable initial contact, and the main friction surface that provides the primary friction interface. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function optimally, with the initial contact portion ensuring stability during break-in.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the frictional slide surface is made more uniform through better manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity increases, but the hysteresis torque remains unstable initially due to contact inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoidfriction member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the entire friction surface to be perfectly uniform, the invention applies local quality by creating a specific initial contact portion with protruding geometry. This localized structural feature ensures stable contact in the critical initial phase without requiring complex manufacturing processes for the entire surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a protruding initial contact portion is added to the friction member, then hysteresis torque stability in initial phase is improved, but the friction member structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehysteresis torque stabilityVSAvoidfriction member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding initial contact portion is built into the friction member structure during manufacturing, performing the function of ensuring stable initial contact before the component is put into service. This preliminary structural arrangement eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or multi-component assemblies.

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

Ensures a desired and stable hysteresis torque is achieved in both the initial and subsequent phases of use by providing a controlled frictional contact mechanism that adapts to surface wear, enhancing the reliability of power transmission devices.

Implementation Method 1

The initial contact portion slides in contact with the slide surface of the first rotor... a hysteresis torque is generated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of elastic members elastically couple the input-side rotor and the output-side rotor in a rotational direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11965575B2Hysteresis torque generating mechanism and power transmission device

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 EXEDY CORP

AI summary

A hysteresis torque generating mechanism includes a first rotor having a slide surface, and a second rotor opposed to the first rotor. The second rotor is configured to slide against the slide surface of the first rotor so as to generate a hysteresis torque. The second rotor includes an initial contact portion and a main friction surface. The initial contact portion is provided to protrude toward the first rotor. The initial contact portion is configured to slide in contact with the slide surface of the first rotor. The main friction surface is configured to slide in contact with the slide surface of the first rotor after abrasion of the initial contact portion.