Tension Torque Support for Drive Trains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque supports in drive trains, particularly in industrial transmissions and wind turbines, lead to increased installation space and weight, and fail to effectively decouple vibrations, due to their solid design and reliance on compressive loads and flange connections.

Innovation Solution

A tension torque support system using traction means, such as belts or ropes, that counteracts torque without compressive forces, allowing for decoupling of vibrations and flexible installation without increasing space requirements, by distributing reaction forces across multiple points on the circumference and axis of the transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional solid torque supports or flange connections are used, then torque can be supported, but installation space dimensions and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque support capabilityVSAvoidtransmission weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a tension element (such as a belt, rope, or flexible membrane) to transmit torque instead of rigid solid connections. This flexible element wraps around the transmission component and transmits torque through tension, dramatically reducing the weight and space requirements compared to conventional solid torque supports while maintaining adequate torque transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the conventional mechanical solid connection system with a tension-based flexible element system. This substitution changes the fundamental mechanism from rigid force transmission to flexible tension transmission, achieving weight and space reduction while preserving torque support function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If conventional solid torque supports are used, then torque can be supported, but installation space dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque support capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tension element (belt, rope, or membrane) wraps around the transmission component in a compact configuration, utilizing the existing circumference of the transmission rather than requiring additional radial or axial space. This flexible approach maintains torque support while fitting within the existing installation envelope

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The tension element is arranged to wrap around and conform to the existing transmission component geometry, effectively nesting the torque support mechanism within the existing space rather than adding external support structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Force

If flange connections are used for direct coupling, then torque transmission is direct, but vibration decoupling is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission efficiencyVSAvoidvibration excitation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tension element inherently provides vibration decoupling through its elastic properties and wrapping configuration. The flexibility of the belt, rope, or membrane allows it to absorb and isolate vibrations while still transmitting torque effectively, eliminating the vibration transmission problem of rigid flange connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The tension element acts as an intermediary between the transmission component and the external environment, providing both torque transmission and vibration isolation. This intermediate flexible connection decouples the transmission from direct rigid coupling, allowing vibration attenuation while maintaining power transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 tension torque support system effectively absorbs and transmits torque while reducing installation space needs, minimizing weight and vibration excitation, and enabling flexible adaptation to various load conditions, thus improving the operational behavior of drive trains.

Implementation Method 1

a tension torque support or tension torque support acting on the shaft or the transmission component coupled thereto counteracts torque; wherein the tensile torque support or tensile torque support is supported on the first housing for forwarding the reaction forces exerted on the at least one traction means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTraction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4249773A1Drive train assembly with traction-based traction moment support and traction-based support method for drive lines and use
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 FLENDER GMBH
  • EP4249773A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4249773A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4249773A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a drive train arrangement (10) for industrial gearboxes, comprising: a first housing (13) which surrounds a bearing (4) for a shaft (2) of the drive train, and a gearbox component (16) which is coupled, in particular axially aligned, to the shaft (2) and which is surrounded by a second housing (17), and a tensile torque support or tensile torque support (18) comprising at least one tensile element (18.1) coupled to the second housing, wherein the tensile torque support or tensile torque support opposes a torque (M1, M2) acting on the shaft (2) or the gearbox component coupled thereto; wherein the tensile torque support or tensile torque support (18) is supported on the first housing (13) to transmit the reaction forces (F1, F2) exerted on the at least one tensile element. The present invention further relates to a corresponding tensile element-based support method.