Power-Split Damper Layout for Drivetrain Torsional Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque transmission systems in motor vehicle drive trains face challenges in effectively dampening rotational irregularities and managing torque flow, particularly during starting and driving operations, with existing solutions not adequately addressing vibration and jerky torque issues.

Innovation Solution

A torque transmission system incorporating a hydrodynamic torque converter with a pump and turbine, a controllable friction clutch, and a power-split damper system with an elastic element, where the turbine is directly connected to the output side and an elastic element is used to isolate rotational irregularities, supported by a summation gear for enhanced damping and vibration cancellation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the turbine is directly connected to the output side, then rotational irregularities are better dampened and vibration cancellation is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional connection requirements and alignment precision needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping of rotational irregularitiesVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque transmission path is segmented into multiple independent strands (first strand through torque converter, second strand through clutch and power-split damper), allowing each strand to be optimized separately for specific functions like damping and torque transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power-split damper system acts as an intermediary device between the clutch and output side, dividing torque into two strands with different damping characteristics to achieve superior vibration cancellation without requiring complex direct turbine-output connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a power-split damper system with elastic element is used, then vibrations and jerky torque are decoupled from transmission input shaft, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibrations and jerky torqueVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element introduces dynamic compliance into the torque transmission path, allowing the system to adaptively decouple vibrations and jerky torque through elastic deformation rather than rigid mechanical isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power-split damper system combines the clutch and elastic element into a integrated torque transmission path that merges torque flow from multiple sources (torque converter and clutch) while simultaneously providing vibration damping in a single compact unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the turbine is permanently connected to the output side, then alignment precision is maintained throughout assembly and maintenance, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent connection (welding, caulking, or riveting) is established during initial manufacturing before the system enters service, pre-establishing precise alignment that remains maintained throughout the product lifecycle without requiring repeated adjustment during maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical connections (screws, keys, or splines) that require periodic tightening and alignment checks are replaced with permanent bonds (welding, caulking, or riveting) that maintain alignment precision without mechanical wear or loosening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration improves the damping of rotational irregularities and vibration cancellation, enhancing the response and transmission behavior of the system, particularly in motor vehicle drive trains, by decoupling vibrations and jerky torque from the transmission input shaft, and allowing for easier assembly and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

An elastic element is arranged between the damper system and the output side. The elastic element can help to isolate rotational non-uniformities of the torque to be transmitted.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a hydrodynamic torque converter with a pump and a turbine, the pump being permanently connected to the input side and the turbine to the output side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic torque conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a controllable friction clutch which can be closed in particular when the speed difference between the input side and the output side is small

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2908025B2Power-split damping system

Publication Date: 2022.07.13 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

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AI summary

A torque transmission system includes an input side, a friction clutch (130) connected to the input side, a power-split damper system (135) connected to the friction clutch, an output side connected to the damper system, and a hydrodynamic torque converter (115 ) with a pump (120) and a turbine (125), the pump being connected to the input side and the turbine being connected to the output side.