Pendulum Rocker Damper With Nested Tracks for Compact Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pendulum rocker dampers require significant installation space and have rigidity issues, with elastomer-based damper devices experiencing high loads and difficulty in setting transfer characteristics, and showing signs of aging over time.
Innovation Solution
A compact pendulum rocker damper design with a rotation axis, featuring rocker elements with axially offset partial tracks, rolling elements, and a stored energy source like helical compression springs, allowing for adjustable torque transfer characteristics without hysteresis, and adaptable to various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional pendulum rocker dampers are used, then torque transfer is achieved, but installation space is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the output-side roller track inside the input-side roller track, with rolling elements positioned between them. This nested configuration allows both roller tracks to occupy the same radial space, significantly reducing the overall volume of the pendulum rocker damper while maintaining the necessary torque transfer functionality through multiple rolling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional radial arrangement to an axial arrangement by positioning the input-side and output-side roller tracks at different axial locations. The input-side roller track is arranged at a first axial position while the output-side roller track is arranged at a second axial position, enabling compact radial packaging while preserving the torque transfer mechanism through axial dimension utilization.
2Volume of moving object
If elastomer-based damper devices are used, then compact design is achieved, but transfer characteristic setting is difficult and aging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastomer-based damping mechanism with a mechanical rolling element system. Instead of relying on elastomeric deformation and friction, the invention uses hardened rolling elements that roll between precision-machined roller tracks, eliminating the aging and degradation issues associated with elastomers while maintaining compact dimensions through the nested track configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining different hardened materials for the roller elements and roller tracks. The roller elements and tracks are made from hardened steel or similar durable materials with complementary surface properties, creating a wear-resistant composite system that resists aging and maintains reliable torque transfer characteristics throughout the service life.
3Loss of energy
If conventional roller track arrangement is used, then torque transfer is achieved, but hysteresis properties occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the roller track system into distinct input-side and output-side roller tracks, each with specific geometric characteristics. The input-side roller track has a first cross-sectional shape while the output-side roller track has a second cross-sectional shape, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function and minimizing unwanted hysteresis through precise geometric control of the rolling contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different cross-sectional geometries to different parts of the roller track system. The input-side roller track features a first cross-sectional shape optimized for input torque acceptance, while the output-side roller track features a second cross-sectional shape optimized for output torque delivery, with each local geometry tailored to minimize hysteresis in its specific operational context.
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 design achieves high rigidity with minimal installation space, virtually no hysteresis, and a modular transfer characteristic, enabling efficient energy conversion and long-lasting performance without the need for replacing the stored energy source.
Implementation Method 1
a stored energy source (5) for transferring a torque between the input side (3) and the output side (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A pendulum rocker damper with a rotation axis includes an input side with first and second input-side counter tracks, an output side with first and second output-side counter tracks, a stored energy source, and rocker elements disposed at opposite axial ends of the stored energy source. Each of the rocker elements has three axially offset partial tracks forming an input-side roller track and an output-side roller track. A first input-side rolling element is clamped between the first input-side counter track and a first input-side roller track and a second input-side rolling element is clamped between the second input-side counter track and a second input-side roller track. A first output-side rolling element is clamped between the first output-side counter track and a second output-side roller track and a second output-side rolling element is clamped between the second output-side counter track and a second output-side roller track.