Supercharger Coupling with Tapered Splines and Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superchargers for internal combustion engines are inefficient as they drain engine horsepower when 'boost' is not required, and they can cause damage to bearings during assembly due to misalignment and backlash issues.
Innovation Solution
A rotational element coupling device with a rotatable output shaft having tapered external splines and a coupling disk with a tapered internally splined bore, which accommodates misalignment and reduces backlash by providing a tight interference fit, and a clutch assembly with a pulley, clutch rotor, and clutch armature that can be selectively engaged to manage torque and rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional supercharger is mechanically driven by the engine, then the supercharger can provide boost to increase horsepower output, but the supercharger represents a drain on engine horsepower when boost is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a selectively engageable clutch mechanism that allows the supercharger to be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on boost requirements. The clutch can be selectively engaged to connect the supercharger to the engine's rotational power source when boost is needed, and disengaged when boost is not required, thereby eliminating the continuous horsepower drain while maintaining the ability to provide boost when needed.
2Device complexity
If a conventional supercharger uses a direct connection between the drive pulley and rotors, then the structure is simple, but misalignment and backlash cause damage to bearings during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary component between the drive pulley and the supercharger rotors. This coupling device includes alignment features that accommodate and correct misalignment between components, and eliminates backlash issues through its design. The intermediary coupling protects the bearings from damage during assembly while still allowing for a relatively simple overall structure.
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 reduces engine horsepower drain when boost is not needed, minimizes bearing damage during assembly, and enhances the stability and efficiency of the supercharger by compensating for misalignment and eliminating backlash.
Implementation Method 1
A rotational element coupling device with a rotatable output shaft having tapered external splines and a coupling disk with a tapered internally splined bore, which accommodates misalignment and reduces backlash by providing a tight interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational element coupling device in a supercharger includes a rotatable output shaft having tapered external splines and an output shaft axis of rotation. A coupling disk has a disk axis of rotation coaxial with the output shaft axis of rotation, a tapered internally splined bore coaxial with the disk axis of rotation to engage the tapered external splines, and a plurality of apertures defined in the coupling disk parallel to the disk axis of rotation. A plurality of pins each have a disk end and a timing gear end distal to the disk end. The plurality of pins matingly engages with the coupling disk at the disk end of the pins via the plurality of apertures. A timing gear is fixed to a supercharger rotor for rotation therewith. The timing gear has a plurality of apertures disposed therein to matingly engage with the timing gear end of the plurality of pins.