Torque Transmission Device with Straight Elastic Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque transmission devices for motor vehicles face issues with curved elastic members being deformed by centrifugal forces, leading to reduced vibration damping effectiveness, grease leakage, and complex structures due to pendular damping means placement.

Innovation Solution

A torque transmission device using straight elastic members arranged in series via a phasing member, with pendular masses mounted on a movable part radially outside the elastic members, eliminating the need for a sealed internal volume filled with grease and simplifying the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If curved elastic members are used in the torque transmission device, then the structure can accommodate centrifugal forces, but the rigidness of the elastic members increases and vibration damping effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to centrifugal forceVSAvoidvibration damping effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic members are divided into multiple segments or leaves (multiple elastic members arranged in series) connected through phasing members. This segmentation allows each segment to deform independently, maintaining flexibility for vibration damping while collectively resisting centrifugal forces through the series arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Phasing members are introduced as intermediary elements between the elastic members. These phasing members coordinate the deformation of individual elastic segments, ensuring they deform in phase with each other to maximize vibration damping effectiveness while distributing the centrifugal force resistance across all segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If curved elastic members are used, then the structure can handle operational forces, but grease is required for lubrication which can leak and pollute other parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication capabilityVSAvoidgrease leakage and pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grease lubrication system is extracted or eliminated from the design. The patent uses elastic members that do not require grease lubrication, thereby removing the source of potential leakage and pollution while maintaining the necessary operational capabilities through the elastic deformation of the members themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If pendular masses are placed radially outside the curved elastic members, then pendular damping efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvependular damping efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pendular masses are merged with the existing elastic member structure. Instead of being separate components placed outside the elastic members, the pendular masses are integrated into the elastic member assembly, allowing pendular damping functionality to be achieved without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic members serve multiple functions: they provide vibration damping through elastic deformation, resist centrifugal forces, and also serve as mounting structures for pendular masses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining damping efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 vibration damping efficiency, prevents grease leakage, and simplifies the structure while maintaining effective pendular damping, improving the overall performance and reliability of the torque transmission device.

Implementation Method 1

the curved elastic members subjected to centrifugal forces in operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the elastic members of each group are deformed in phase with each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

means for pendular damping comprising pendular masses mounted in a movable manner on a movable part of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPendular motion: Pendulum

Data Source

PatentEP2954224B1Torque transmitting device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP2954224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2954224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2954224B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a torque transmitting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a torque input element and a torque output element, elastic members (22, 23) acting against the rotation of one of the input and output elements with respect to the other and mounted between these elements, and damping means (63) comprising pendular masses (64) mounted such that they can move on a moving part of the device, radially on the outside of the elastic members (22, 23). At least one group of elastic members (22, 23) is mounted between the torque input and output elements, the elastic members (22, 23) of this group being arranged in series via a phasing member (33), the pendular masses (64) being mounted such that they can move on the torque output element or on the phasing member (33).