Integrated Decoupler Damper for Compact Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decouplers with integrated torsional vibration dampers face challenges in packaging due to axial length and diameter considerations, making them difficult to integrate compactly into vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A decoupler assembly featuring an input hub, output member, one-way clutch, and torsional vibration damper, where the one-way clutch includes a clutch input member, carrier, damping springs, and a clutch spring with helical coils, and the torsional vibration damper is mounted within an internal cavity bounded by the output member and cover, allowing for compact integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a decoupler with integrated torsional vibration damper is designed, then torsional vibration is reduced, but the axial length and diameter increase making packaging difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsional vibrationVSAvoidaxial length and diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the decoupler and torsional vibration damper into a single integrated assembly. The damper is positioned within the decoupler housing, and the clutch components are integrated with the damper structure, creating a compact unified device that reduces overall packaging space while maintaining both decoupling and vibration damping functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The torsional vibration damper is nested within the decoupler housing structure. The damper housing is positioned inside the decoupler assembly, with the clutch carrier and other components arranged within the available internal space, effectively utilizing the nested configuration to minimize external dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the torsional vibration damper is integrated within the decoupler, then packaging space is reduced, but the internal cavity space is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging spaceVSAvoidinternal cavity space
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch springs are designed with helical coils that can dynamically expand and contract to transmit rotary power. The damping springs are positioned to flex and absorb torsional vibrations, allowing the internal components to adapt their configuration within the limited cavity space while maintaining functional effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch springs use a helical coil configuration that utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently. The springs are arranged to engage with clutch surfaces in a manner that maximizes power transmission within the constrained internal cavity, utilizing radial and axial dimensions effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables a more compact decoupler assembly that effectively reduces torsional vibration while maintaining operational efficiency, addressing packaging challenges and enhancing vehicle integration.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one damping spring abuts the clutch input member and the carrier to transmit rotary power therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The clutch spring has an end that is fixedly coupled to the carrier and a plurality of helical coils that are configured to engage the clutch surface to transmit rotary power input to the clutch spring from the carrier to the clutch output structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The torsional vibration damper is mounted on the input hub and is disposed within an internal cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2585728B1Decoupler with integrated torsional vibration damper
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 LITENS AUTOMOTIVE INC
  • EP2585728B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2585728B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2585728B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A decoupler assembly with an input hub, an output member, and a one-way clutch. In one form, the decoupler assembly includes an annular bearing mount with a needle bearing disposed between the bearing mount and the input hub to support the output member for rotation on the input hub. In another form the decoupler assembly further comprises a torsional vibration damper that is received within an internal cavity that is bounded on opposite axial ends by the output member and a cover that is coupled to the output member.