Shape Memory Alloy Drivetrain Mounts for Broadband Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolation and dampening materials and design features for internal combustion engine vehicles do not effectively translate to electric vehicles due to higher vibration frequencies, necessitating the development of materials and design features tailored for electric drivetrains.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolation system utilizing super elastic shape memory alloy elements, pre-strained to lie on a phase transformation plateau, integrated into drivetrain brackets and bushings, providing frequency and temperature-independent damping across a wide range of frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional vibration isolation materials and design features are used, then low-frequency vibration isolation is achieved, but high-frequency vibration isolation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional rubber or polymer to super elastic shape memory alloy, which fundamentally alters the vibration isolation mechanism from viscoelastic damping to phase transformation-based damping, enabling effective isolation across a broad frequency spectrum from low to high frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures where super elastic shape memory alloy elements are integrated with drivetrain brackets and bushings, combining the unique properties of shape memory alloys with structural components to achieve both mechanical support and broadband vibration isolation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If super elastic shape memory alloy elements are integrated into drivetrain brackets and bushings, then broadband vibration isolation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration isolation function with the structural support function by integrating super elastic shape memory alloy elements directly into drivetrain brackets and bushings, eliminating the need for separate isolation components and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The super elastic shape memory alloy elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enable broadband vibration isolation across 10 Hz to 3,000 Hz, and offer temperature-independent damping characteristics, replacing multiple specialized components with a single multi-functional element
3Strength
If polymer materials are used for vibration isolation, then material availability and ease of manufacture are maintained, but damping characteristics and mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material class from polymer to super elastic shape memory alloy, improving mechanical strength and damping characteristics through the alloy's phase transformation mechanism, while pre-straining the alloy elements during manufacturing to optimize their vibration isolation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The super elastic shape memory alloy elements are pre-strained during manufacturing to lie on a phase transformation plateau, preparing them in advance to optimally absorb and dampen vibrations across the target frequency range when installed in the drivetrain 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
The system effectively isolates and dampens vibrations in electric drivetrains, achieving compact form factors with reduced material use, while damping a wide range of frequencies from 10 Hz to 3,000 Hz, and mitigating heat buildup through cooling mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the super elastic shape memory alloy element is pre-strained to lie on a phase transformation plateau
Implementation Method 2
providing frequency and temperature-independent damping across a wide range of frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolation component and vibration isolation system for a drivetrain as well as a method of isolation vibration in a drivetrain. At least one of a drivetrain bracket and a bushing inserted into an end of the drivetrain bracket is a vibration isolation element and includes a super elastic shape memory alloy element. The drivetrain bracket is affixed to an electric drivetrain and the bushing is connected a chassis.