Pendulum Damper Rivet Layout for Strength Under Saturation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pendulum damping devices in vehicle transmission systems face mechanical stress and reduced filtration capacity due to metallic contact during engine starting phases, leading to accelerated deterioration and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A pendulum damping device with a single connecting member riveted with varying diameters of rivets, where more rivets and/or larger rivets are strategically placed in stressed areas to enhance mechanical strength and lifespan, and an optional stop damping system to absorb axial shocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single connecting element is used to pair the oscillating masses, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mechanical strength is insufficient during saturation phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting element structureVSAvoidmechanical strength of connecting element
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the rivet diameters at different locations of the connecting element. The first and second zones (near the oscillating masses) have larger rivet diameters to withstand higher stresses during saturation, while the third zone (central region) has smaller rivet diameters. This non-uniform rivet configuration optimizes mechanical strength where needed without unnecessarily increasing complexity or cost throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If more rivets with larger diameters are used in stressed areas, then the mechanical strength is reinforced, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength of connecting elementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and assembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by strategically placing larger diameter rivets only in the first and second zones where stress concentration occurs during pendulum saturation. The third zone uses smaller diameter rivets, reducing material consumption and assembly complexity in low-stress areas. This localized approach reinforces mechanical strength where critical while maintaining ease of manufacture in non-critical regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is segmented into three distinct zones based on stress distribution: first zone (high stress near oscillating mass), second zone (high stress near oscillating mass), and third zone (lower stress in central region). Each zone is riveted with appropriate rivet sizes matched to its stress level, optimizing both strength and manufacturability through zoned construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reinforces the mechanical strength and filtration capacity of the pendulum damping device, extending its lifespan while maintaining or reducing costs and assembly time, and optimizing rivet placement for improved performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first and a second bearing member (40a, 40b) each defining a rolling surface adapted to roll on one, respectively, of the two support and pendulum body bearing tracks, so as to guide an oscillation of the pendulum body (13) relative to the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

The bearing tracks of the support and the pendulum body extend so that, in operation, the bearings are in centrifugal and centripetal contact, respectively, on said tracks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP4092290B1Pendulum damping device
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP4092290B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4092290B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pendulum damping device (10) comprising a support (12) with a window (15) defining two support bearing tracks (41), a pendulum body (13) with two oscillating masses (14), and a single connecting member (20) defining two pendulum body bearing tracks (42), two rolling members (40a, 40b) rolling along each bearing track (41, 42) around a rest position (P0), the single connecting member (20) comprising a first zone (25), a second zone (26), each comprising N first rivets (30) having a first diameter (D1), and a third zone (27) comprising R second rivets (35) having a second diameter (D2), the sum of the first diameters (D1) of the N first rivets of the first zone (25) or of the second zone (26) is strictly greater than the sum of the second diameters (D2) of the R second rivets of the third zone (27).