Starter Head Torsion Damping Buffer for Engine Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engine starters suffer from deterioration of mobile parts due to shocks experienced during engine starting, leading to reduced reliability and longevity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a torsion shock absorber between the external crown and the housing of the starter head, along with axial stop mechanisms to prevent untimely movement of the shock absorbers, effectively absorbs shocks from speed and torque variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rotational connection means without damping buffers are used between the outer crown and casing, then the structure is simple and compact, but the starter head deteriorates due to shocks from speed and torque variations during engine starting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability and longevity of starter headVSAvoidcomplexity of rotational connection means
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces damping buffers as intermediary elements between the outer crown and the casing. These buffers serve as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates shock energy from speed and torque variations, protecting the rotational connection means from deterioration while maintaining the overall structural simplicity of the starter head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping buffers are pre-installed in the rotational connection means to provide beforehand cushioning against shocks that occur during engine starting. This prior cushioning prevents the transmission of harmful shock energy to the gear teeth and other critical components, thereby improving reliability without adding complex active protection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If damping buffers are added to the rotational connection means, then shocks from speed and torque variations are absorbed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshocks and inertial torque during engine startingVSAvoidcomplexity of starter head structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping buffers are designed as simple, inexpensive passive elements that can be easily replaced if needed. Rather than using complex active shock absorption systems, the patent employs these simple dissipative elements that absorb shock energy through material deformation, providing effective protection without significant complexity or cost increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the rotational connection means by changing the physical parameters of the connection - specifically by introducing elements with different damping characteristics. The damping buffers alter the stiffness and energy dissipation properties of the connection, enabling it to absorb shocks while maintaining rotational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the outer crown is made rotatable relative to the casing, then the starter head can accommodate speed variations, but the crown becomes vulnerable to damaging torques without damping protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to speed variations during engine startingVSAvoidstrength of crown and gear teeth against inertial torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful inertial torques and speed variations into beneficial damping effects. The damping buffers are specifically designed to absorb the energy from these variations, transforming what would be damaging shock loads into controlled energy dissipation through material hysteresis and friction, thereby protecting the gear teeth and crown from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable outer crown is equipped with damping buffers in advance to provide beforehand cushioning against the inertial torques that occur during engine starting. This pre-positioned cushioning protects the crown and gear teeth from damaging shock loads while maintaining the adaptability needed to accommodate speed variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 enhances the starter head's ability to withstand shocks, thereby improving reliability and extending the operational longevity of the starter by dissipating inertial torque-induced energy.

Implementation Method 1

the rotational connection means comprise at least one torsion damping buffer which is mounted between the crown and the casing to dampen a torque between the casing and the crown

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The damping pad may be made of an elastically deformable polymer material suitable for withstanding mechanical stresses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

the housing comprising at least one axial stop adapted to prevent a translation of the damping buffer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2769082B1Starter for combustion engine
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP2769082B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2769082B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a starter head for an internal combustion engine, including a casing which defines a reduction chamber and which includes a surface for mounting an electric motor M including a drive pinion, a reduction gear which is arranged in the reduction chamber and which includes an epicyclic gear train including planetary gears, which are to be rotated by the drive pinion of the electric motor, and an outer ring which has an axis Delta and which is connected to the casing via rotatable-linkage means. The reduction chamber includes a cylindrical rotationally symmetrical bore, having an axis Delta, for receiving the outer ring which has an outer cylindrical rotationally symmetrical shape that matches that of the receiving bore, the rotatable-linkage means including at least one torsion-damping pad which is mounted between the ring and the casing in order to damp the torque between the casing and the external ring, and which is at least partially inserted into a recess provided in the casing, the recess including at least one axial abutment suitable for forming an obstacle to the translation of the damping pad opposite the mounting surface.