Pendulum Damping Device With Elastic Connecting Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pendular damping devices in vehicle transmission systems are vulnerable to over-torques, which can cause damage due to significant forces applied during high torque conditions, and existing solutions like torque limiters are expensive, bulky, and inaccurate.

Innovation Solution

A circumferentially elastically deformable connecting member, such as a corrugated wave washer or corrugated tongues, is used to connect the pendular damping device to the transmission system, allowing for elastic deformation to absorb over-torques and center the damping device, while also providing axial compensation and friction to manage energy absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a torque limiter is used to protect the pendulum damping device from over-torque, then the device is protected from high torque damage, but the solution becomes expensive, bulky, and has imprecise triggering torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from over-torqueVSAvoidcost and size of torque limiter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the connecting element by introducing circumferential elasticity through corrugated geometry. This allows the element to deform elastically under over-torque conditions, absorbing excess torque through controlled deformation rather than relying on a separate torque limiter mechanism. The parameter change from rigid to elastically deformable connecting element enables protection functionality while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it centers the pendulum damping device on the transmission component, transmits torque during normal operation, and protects against over-torque through elastic deformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate torque limiting components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If a rigid connection is used between the pendulum damping device and transmission system, then the connection is simple and strong, but the support can be weakened or break under significant stresses from over-torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsupport durability under over-torque

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The corrugated connecting element provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating elastic deformation capacity into the connection design. This allows the system to absorb and dissipate over-torque energy through controlled elastic deformation of the connecting element before the stress reaches the support, preventing support weakening or failure while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the connecting element is made circumferentially elastically deformable to absorb over-torques, then protection from over-torque is achieved, but the connection stiffness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from over-torqueVSAvoidconnection stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed with localized corrugated geometry that provides circumferential elasticity specifically in the regions needing deformation capability, while maintaining overall structural integrity and adequate stiffness for normal torque transmission. The local quality change allows differential mechanical properties within the same component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts its stiffness characteristics based on operating conditions. During normal operation, it maintains sufficient stiffness for torque transmission; during over-torque events, it becomes more compliant through elastic deformation, allowing the system to respond dynamically to varying torque loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively protects the pendular damping device from over-torques by absorbing forces through elastic deformation and friction, reducing the risk of damage and improving system stability without the drawbacks of traditional torque limiters.

Implementation Method 1

a circumferentially elastically deformable connecting member, such as a corrugated wave washer or corrugated tongues, is used to connect the pendular damping device to the transmission system, allowing for elastic deformation to absorb over-torques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The connecting element can also ensure centering of the pendulum damping device on the first sub-assembly... allowing for friction to manage energy absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3249258B1Pendulum damping device

Publication Date: 2020.04.29 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS

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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

Component (1) for vehicle transmission system, comprising: - a first sub-assembly having an input and an output (7) between which a torque can be transmitted, and - a second sub-assembly forming a pendulum damping device (1), and disposed out of the path of the torque transmitted by the first sub-assembly, the first and second sub-assemblies being connected to each other by at least one circumferentially elastically deformable connecting member (30, 40).