Nested Coiled Spring Damper Unit for Compact Engine Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damper units for internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently transmitting power while minimizing axial enlargement and optimizing the load torque required at the beginning of operation, with a need for a more compact and efficient design that effectively utilizes the space between the spring holders.
Innovation Solution
A damper unit design featuring an input-side rotor, an output-side rotor, multiple coiled first and second springs, an input-side sliding contact surface, and a biasing member, where the first and second spring holders are arranged to sandwich the output-side rotor, with the biasing member inserted between the first spring holder and the output-side rotor to enhance power transmission and reduce axial size, and the output-side sliding contact surface positioned radially outward to increase load torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple coiled springs are arranged in parallel between input-side rotor and output-side rotor, then power transmission capability is improved, but axial size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the first and second coiled springs in a nested arrangement where the first spring is positioned within the radial space of the second spring, and vice versa. This nesting allows multiple springs to occupy the same axial space, maintaining high power transmission capability while minimizing axial enlargement of the damper unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional axial arrangement of springs to a two-dimensional radial arrangement. By positioning springs at different radial positions and angles around the rotational axis, the design achieves efficient power transmission without increasing axial length, effectively utilizing the circumferential and radial dimensions.
2Length of moving object
If spring holders are positioned closer together to reduce axial size, then compactness is improved, but space for positioning members is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the positioning function directly into the spring holder structure. The spring holders are designed with built-in positioning features such as recesses, protrusions, or keyed interfaces that automatically align and secure the springs, eliminating the need for separate positioning members. This merging of functions maintains compact dimensions while ensuring proper spring positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring holders are designed to self-position and self-align during assembly through inherent geometric features. The holders incorporate self-centering mechanisms or interference-fit interfaces that automatically establish correct positioning without requiring additional positioning components, thereby reducing part count while maintaining precision.
3Force
If sliding contact surface is positioned radially outward to increase load torque, then torque capacity is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contact surface is segmented into multiple discrete contact zones distributed radially outward at different angular positions. This segmentation allows the load torque to be distributed across multiple contact points, increasing overall torque capacity while maintaining a relatively simple structure for each individual contact zone. The segmented approach avoids the need for complex continuous structural features.
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 design increases stored energy, maintains a compact axial size, and allows for a multi-stepped spring characteristic, facilitating easier assembly and adjustment, while eliminating the need for additional positioning members and reducing the number of parts.
Implementation Method 1
multiple coiled first and second springs capable of transmitting power to the output-side rotor from the input-side rotor
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of coiled first and second springs are capable of transmitting power to the output-side rotor from the input-side rotor
Implementation Method 3
a biasing member biasing the output-side rotor toward the second spring holder side is inserted between the first spring holder and the output-side rotor
Implementation Method 4
The input-side sliding contact surface in sliding contact with an output-side sliding contact surface formed in the output-side rotor is formed in the second spring holder
Data Source
AI summary
A damper unit of an internal combustion engine includes an input-side rotor, an output-side rotor, first coiled springs, second coiled springs, an input-side sliding contact surface, and a biasing member. The input-side rotor includes a first spring holder, a second spring holder, and a connecting portion. The second spring holder is arranged on a second side of the output-side rotor, has a facing side facing the output-side rotor, and has second spring accommodation portions on the facing side each of which accommodates each of the second coiled springs. The input-side sliding contact surface is provided in the second spring holder so as to be in sliding contact with an output-side sliding contact surface of the output-side rotor. The biasing member is provided between the first spring holder and the output-side rotor to press the output-side rotor toward the second spring holder.