Series Damper Coupling Layout for Tolerance-Compensated Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque transmitting devices lack modularity and efficient tolerance compensation, leading to complex assembly processes and limited adaptability to varying requirements.

Innovation Solution

A torque transmitting device with a series damper comprising a first and second damper unit and a coupling unit, where the coupling unit has offset coupling parts and a bracing means for axial and circumferential tolerance compensation, allowing for modular construction and assembly automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a torque transmitting device uses a traditional integrated design, then structural stability is maintained, but modularity and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemodularityVSAvoidstructural configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling unit is divided into two separate coupling parts (first coupling part and second coupling part) that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation enables modular construction where damper units can be modified independently while maintaining overall system functionality through the coupling parts connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If tight tolerance specifications are used for damper units, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling parts serve as intermediary elements between damper units, incorporating features like external tooth systems and internal tooth systems that provide built-in tolerance compensation. This mediator approach allows for easier assembly with automated processes while maintaining the required precision through the coupling mechanism itself rather than requiring extremely tight tolerances on all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact design is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but mass distribution for optimal damper behavior is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact configurationVSAvoiddamper behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling parts are arranged offset axially in relation to one another, utilizing the axial dimension to achieve compact radial configuration while maintaining appropriate mass distribution. This dimensional arrangement allows the torque transmitting device to be compact in cross-section while preserving the mass distribution necessary for optimal damper behavior through the axial offset positioning of coupling components.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11499602B2Torque transmitting device
Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • US11499602B2 patent drawing
  • US11499602B2 patent drawing
  • US11499602B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A torque transmitting device that can be rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation includes a series damper having a first damper unit, a second damper unit and a coupling unit. The first damper unit has a damper output side and the second damper unit has a damper input side. The coupling unit is arranged between the damper output side of the first damper unit and the damper input side of the second damper unit. The coupling unit has a first coupling part and a second coupling part, wherein the first coupling part and the second coupling part are arranged axially offset in relation to one another. The first coupling part connects the damper output side of the first damper unit to the second coupling part. The second coupling part connects the first coupling part to the damper input side of the second damper unit.