Symmetric Engine Transmission Coupler Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face inefficiencies in energy transfer from the engine to the transmission due to misalignment, which can be caused by vibrational and terrain-induced forces, leading to reduced power transfer and increased belt temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A symmetric coupler system that forms a rigid body by bridging the gap between the engine and transmission using identical bridging members, ensuring precise alignment and resistance to external forces through a network of apertures, flanges, and fasteners, thereby maintaining efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid alignment system is introduced to maintain precise alignment between engine and transmission, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into multiple members (first coupler member, second coupler member, third coupler member) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each member has specific coupling features that interface with corresponding components, allowing modular construction while achieving rigid alignment between the engine and transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler members are combined to form an integrated coupling system that simultaneously connects the engine output shaft, transmission input shaft, and differential case. This merging of multiple coupling functions into a unified structure achieves precise alignment without requiring separate alignment mechanisms for each connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a symmetric coupler structure is used to resist external forces, then alignment stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall coupler system exhibits symmetry, individual coupler members have asymmetric features tailored to their specific coupling requirements. The first coupler member couples to the engine output shaft, the second to the transmission input shaft, and the third to the differential case, with each member's geometry optimized for its specific function rather than requiring identical symmetric components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler members are designed with multi-functional coupling features that simultaneously achieve rigid alignment, force transmission, and positional stabilization. The coupling features include apertures for fasteners, flanges for mounting, and interface geometries that accommodate slight misalignments while maintaining stable connection across multiple functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fasteners and coupling features are added to maintain rigid alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler members are pre-configured with precisely positioned apertures, flanges, and coupling features during manufacturing. These preliminary actions ensure that when assembly occurs, the components align naturally without requiring complex adjustment procedures, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler members act as intermediary components that simplify the assembly process between the engine, transmission, and differential. By providing standardized coupling features and apertures, the intermediaries facilitate straightforward fastening operations rather than requiring direct, complex alignment between all components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, vehicles, and assemblies that include a prime mover, a transmission, and a coupler. The coupler couples the prime mover and the transmission. A preferred embodiment includes a system for forming a rigid body that includes a rotational prime mover and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly transmits at least a portion of the rotational energy from the prime mover to a driven member at a frequency. The system includes a first and a second bridging member. Coupling the first bridging member to the second bridging member forms a symmetric bridge or coupler. The symmetric bridge is symmetric about a first plane of symmetry. Furthermore, coupling a first portion of the bridge to the rotational prime mover and coupling a second portion of the bridge to the transmission assembly forms the rigid body. The rigid body further includes the bridge.