Spring-Coupled Vibration Absorber for Drive Train Torsional Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorber devices for vehicle drive trains are costly, space-intensive, and require complex maintenance, failing to effectively address torsional vibrations across the entire speed range of internal combustion engines.

Innovation Solution

A compact, cost-effective absorber device featuring an absorber flange, ring, and masses mechanically coupled by a spring, which enhances centrifugal force and prevents absorber masses from falling at low speeds, utilizing a spring-mounted design to maintain the absorber masses radially and support their weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centrifugal pendulum device or ring absorber device is used to reduce torsional vibrations, then vibration reduction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration reduction effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorber device is segmented into discrete absorber masses (at least two) that are independently mounted on the absorber flange and coupled by a spring. This segmentation allows each mass to function as an independent vibration absorber while the spring provides coupling, simplifying the overall device structure compared to traditional centrifugal pendulum devices while maintaining vibration reduction effectiveness across a wide speed range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using the conventional centrifugal pendulum mechanism where masses rotate on pivots, this invention inverts the approach by mounting masses directly on the flange and using spring coupling to achieve the same vibration absorption effect. This inversion simplifies the mechanical structure, eliminates complex pivot mechanisms, and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If traditional absorber devices are used to eliminate torsional vibrations over the entire speed range, then vibration control is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration controlVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The absorber masses are arranged in the circumferential direction on the absorber flange, utilizing the radial and circumferential dimensions efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple absorber masses to be compactly positioned within a limited radial space while maintaining their vibration absorption function across the entire speed range, thereby reducing installation space requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple absorber masses are merged into a single integrated system mounted on one absorber flange, with the spring coupling providing both mechanical connection and vibration absorption functionality. This merging consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into a single compact unit, reducing overall installation space while maintaining comprehensive vibration control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If absorber masses are mechanically coupled without spring to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced, but performance at low speeds deteriorates due to masses falling down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidperformance at low speeds
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A spring is introduced as an intermediary element between the absorber masses to provide mechanical coupling. This spring mediator performs multiple functions: it couples the masses mechanically, prevents them from falling down at low speeds through its elastic restoring force, and contributes to vibration absorption. This simple intermediary solution adds minimal complexity while dramatically improving low-speed performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring coupling changes the mechanical parameter of the absorber masses from an uncoupled or rigidly coupled state to an elastically coupled state. This parameter change allows the masses to maintain their position at low speeds through spring force while still enabling relative movement for vibration absorption at higher speeds, thereby improving reliability across the entire speed range with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a space-efficient, inexpensive, and low-maintenance absorber device that effectively reduces torsional vibrations across a wide speed range, improving wear resistance and performance.

Implementation Method 1

the absorber masses strive due to centrifugal force to rotate an axis, z. B. that of the crankshaft (see above) to revolve around the axis of rotation at the greatest possible distance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

By means of the spring, the absorber masses can be prevented from 'falling down' at low speeds and/or a centrifugal force of the absorber masses can be increased by a spring force from the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

On a shaft of a periodically operating machine, e.g. B. on a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, torsional vibrations occur during a rotational movement of the crankshaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsional vibrations: Vibration

Implementation Method 4

a centrifugal pendulum device or a ring absorber device can be provided, which can mainly or essentially eliminate the torsional vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3768988B1Vibration absorber device and torque transmission device
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3768988B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3768988B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a vibration absorber device for a torque transmission device for a drive train of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, having an absorber flange, an absorber ring and a plurality of absorber masses, by means of which the absorber ring is mechanically coupled to the absorber flange and as a result of which a rotary movement is transmissible from the absorber flange to the absorber ring, wherein two absorber masses that are arranged directly next to one another in the circumferential direction of the vibration absorber device are mechanically coupled by means of a spring. The invention also relates to a torque transmission device, a transmission, a coupling or a damper for a drive train of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, wherein the torque transmission device, the transmission, the coupling or the damper has a vibration absorber device according to the invention.