Rotor Carrier Flange Spring Snap Ring Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotor assemblies in electric motors face issues with rotor movement during calibration, leading to performance degradation and imbalance due to lack of effective fixation methods.

Innovation Solution

A rotor carrier assembly is designed with a torque converter housing, a rotor carrier fixed by bolts, and a spring-snap ring mechanism that secures the rotor carrier flange, preventing rotor movement and ensuring stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixation methods are used for the rotor carrier, then the structure is simple, but the rotor moves during calibration leading to performance degradation and imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor position stabilityVSAvoidfixation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a spring element for applying clamping force, a snap ring for positioning and retention, and a flange structure for distribution of forces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while collectively achieving reliable rotor positioning without excessive overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snap ring is nested within a groove of the rotor carrier, and the spring element is positioned between the snap ring and the rotor carrier flange. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple fixation elements within the limited space of the rotor carrier assembly, achieving reliable fixation without adding significant external complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the rotor carrier is firmly fixed to prevent movement, then rotor position stability is improved, but the complexity of the fixation mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor carrier position stabilityVSAvoidfixation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element automatically adjusts to maintain consistent clamping force on the rotor carrier flange, compensating for variations in assembly tolerances and thermal expansion. The snap ring self-locks into the groove to prevent radial movement. These self-adjusting and self-locking characteristics achieve stable rotor carrier positioning without requiring complex external control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation function is merged into the rotor carrier structure itself through the integrated flange and groove features. The spring and snap ring work together as a unified fixation system rather than separate components, achieving stable positioning with a compact, integrated design that minimizes overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 maintains the rotor's position within the hybrid module, enhancing performance characteristics and preventing imbalance, thereby improving overall system stability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a spring clamps the rotor carrier flange between the snap ring and the castellated portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10352422B2Rotor carrier and flange assembly
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • US10352422B2 patent drawing
  • US10352422B2 patent drawing
  • US10352422B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotor assembly includes a torque converter including a housing forming a hydraulic chamber, a rotor for an electric motor, a rotor carrier non-rotatably connected to the rotor that is fixed to the torque converter housing, a rotor carrier flange, a spring, and a snap ring. In some embodiments, the rotor carrier includes a groove and a castellated portion, the snap ring is disposed in the groove, and the spring clamps the rotor carrier flange between the snap ring and the castellated portion.