Vibration Absorber With Segmented Elastic Damping Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration dampers for drive shafts have limited adjustability in damping properties, relying solely on the material properties of the damping part, which restricts their performance.

Innovation Solution

A vibration damper with a layered construction of different elasticity materials and geometries, featuring alternating rings and recesses, allows for adjustable damping behavior by varying the rigidity and geometry of the damping part, including the use of different materials and configurations such as grooves and pockets, to optimize damping properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a solid and homogeneously designed damping part is used, then the structure is simple, but the damping properties can only be specified to a limited extent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of damping propertiesVSAvoidstructure of damping part
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping part is divided into multiple segments or layers with different material properties or geometries. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to the damping behavior, enabling adjustment of damping properties without requiring a completely different overall structure. The segments can be arranged in specific sequences or patterns to optimize damping characteristics for different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the damping part are given different local properties such as varying material composition, density, or geometric characteristics. This local quality variation allows specific areas to provide different damping effects, enabling fine-tuned adjustment of overall damping behavior while maintaining a relatively simple global structure. The local variations can be implemented through layered construction or radial segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If flange parts with elastic disk are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but high surface pressure leads to heat development and high demands on elastic washer stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flange-to-flange contact interface to a three-dimensional radial arrangement where the damping part is positioned between concentric shaft sections. This dimensional change distributes the torque transmission interface throughout the radial space rather than concentrating it at discrete contact points, thereby reducing surface pressure and heat generation while maintaining torque transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping part functions as a flexible elastic element that transmits torque through distributed deformation rather than concentrated contact. This flexible structure allows torque transmission while minimizing localized surface pressure and the associated heat generation, eliminating the stability demands placed on traditional elastic washers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the damping part is made with different rigidities in different directions, then damping properties are optimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping behavior adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing of damping part
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The damping part is constructed from multiple discrete layers or segments that can be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled. This segmentation enables different rigidities in different directions to be achieved through material selection or geometric design of individual layers, while each layer remains manufacturable with conventional techniques. The modular nature simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to creating a monolithic anisotropic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances the adjustability and effectiveness of damping, reducing heat generation, minimizing installation space, and achieving high synchronization and balancing quality, while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable damping part arranged between the shaft parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The elastic disk serves as a torque damper to absorb torque shocks or vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHysteresis damping: Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentEP2406513B1Vibration absorber for a drive train
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 NEUMAYER TEKFOR HLDG GMBH
  • EP2406513B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2406513B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2406513B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vibration absorber (2) that is effective in the direction of rotation of a drive shaft and has a small radial extension. For this purpose, a shaft part (6) is provided as a sleeve (8) and a shaft part (7) is provided as an inner part extending axially into the sleeve (8), which engage in negative profiles (15, 16) of an absorber part (10) that is elastic in the direction of rotation by way of rotary dogs, the negative profiles complementing said dogs. In addition to the negative profiles, the absorber part has recesses (40).