Segmented Flange Structure for Lightweight Torsion Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current torsion damping devices, such as dual mass flywheels, are heavy due to complex assembly requirements and numerous connection elements, leading to increased weight, complexity, and CO2 emissions during manufacturing and vehicle usage.
Innovation Solution
A segmented flange design with fewer connection elements and optimized material usage, allowing for a lighter weight reduction of 30-40% compared to traditional one-piece flanges, while maintaining performance through reduced torsional stiffness and fewer assembly constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a one-piece flange is used for torque transmission, then structural strength and torque transmission capability are improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is divided into multiple segments (typically 3-6 segments) that are arranged radially around the rotation axis. Each segment is independently connected to the input or output torque element, allowing the flange to transmit torque through distributed connection points rather than requiring a continuous one-piece structure. This segmentation reduces material usage and weight while maintaining adequate torque transmission capability through the combined effect of multiple segments.
2Reliability
If multiple connection elements are used to connect the flange to annular masses, then reliability of torque transmission is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is divided into multiple segments (typically 3-6 segments) that are arranged radially around the rotation axis. Each segment is independently connected to the input or output torque element, allowing the flange to transmit torque through distributed connection points rather than requiring a continuous one-piece structure. This segmentation reduces material usage and weight while maintaining adequate torque transmission capability through the combined effect of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flange segments are connected to each other through connection elements (such as bolts or rivets) to form a complete circular flange structure. The connection elements serve dual purposes: they join the segmented flange pieces together while also providing the torque transmission interface between the flange and the annular masses. This merging approach reduces the total number of separate connection elements needed compared to attaching each segment individually to the torque elements.
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 segmented flange design reduces weight and material usage, decreases CO2 emissions, and simplifies assembly, resulting in a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly torsion damping device with improved torque transmission and reduced over-torque risks.
Implementation Method 1
the segmented flange forms a drive plate with can have a well reduction of the torsional stiffness
Implementation Method 2
a group of at least two damping means mounted between the input and output torque elements, acting against the rotation of the input and output torque elements relative to each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1.A~1.B
Figure 1.C~1.D
AI summary
A torsion damping device (1) for a torque transmission of a vehicles engine, comprising at least :one input torque element (2) and one output torque element (3), having an rotation axis (R), one group of at least two damping means (D) mounted between the input and output torque elements, acting against the rotation of the input and output torque elements relative to each other, at least two gap (G) provided between ends of the damping means (D), a damping module comprising a flange (10) having at least two radially extended driving tabs (11), which is positioned on the gaps (G), to support the group of damping means (D) wherein the flange (10) is segmented and connected directly or indirectly to each other by connection means (C), each flange segment (10a) having one of the driving tabs (11).