Torque Fluctuation Absorbing Apparatus with Seamless Rolling Locus Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque fluctuation absorbing apparatuses generate noise due to collisions between mass members and the end portions of the rolling guide surfaces when torsional vibrations exceed a predetermined level, as the rolling range of rollers increases, leading to impacts and noise generation.

Innovation Solution

A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus with a plate member featuring arc-shaped first rolling guide surfaces and a second rolling guide surface, allowing seamless switching of the mass member's rolling locus from the first to the second surface, thereby preventing collisions and noise, and utilizing an annular connection member to maintain a predetermined distance between mass members, reducing the number of parts and enhancing vibration absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rolling range of the roller is increased to absorb torsional vibration, then the vibration absorption capability is improved, but the roller collides with the end portion of the rolling guide surface generating noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorption capabilityVSAvoidnoise generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling guide surface is divided into multiple arc-shaped segments arranged in the circumferential direction. Each arc-shaped rolling guide surface provides a limited rolling range, and the segmentation allows the mass members to switch between different segments, preventing collision with single end portions while maintaining vibration absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a second rolling guide surface in addition to the first arc-shaped rolling guide surface. This creates an additional dimension for the rolling locus, allowing mass members to seamlessly switch between different surfaces. This dimensional expansion enables the system to absorb larger torsional vibrations without collision by providing alternative rolling paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple mass members are used to improve vibration absorption, then the vibration absorption capability is improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorption capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple mass members are connected to form an integrated assembly that rotates together on the rolling guide surfaces. This merging approach allows the system to utilize multiple mass members for vibration absorption while reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall structure compared to having independent mass members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling guide surface structure serves multiple functions: it guides the rolling motion of mass members, provides the arc-shaped path for vibration absorption, and includes the second surface for seamless transition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.

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

The apparatus effectively absorbs torsional vibrations by smoothly transitioning the mass member's rolling locus, reducing noise generation and allowing for a more compact design by restraining radial motion, thus enhancing the absorption of torsional vibrations while minimizing noise and part count.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of mass members rolling on the rolling guide surface of the plate member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling motion: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP2703688B1Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 AISIN SEIKI KK
  • EP2703688B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2703688B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2703688B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus absorbing a torsional vibration includes a plate member (1, 101a, 101b, 101c, 201, 301a, 301d, 301g, 301j) configured to be provided at the power transmission system (120a) and including a rolling guide surface (121, 215, 315a, 315b), and a mass member (2, 202, 302k) rolling on the rolling guide surface of the plate member. The rolling guide surface includes plural first rolling guide surfaces (121a, 215a, 315b) each formed in an arc shape and provided radially inward relative to an outer circumferential portion of the plate member to be arranged in a circumferential direction and a second rolling guide surface (121b, 121d, 215b, 215c, 215d, 215e, 215f, 315a) allowing the mass member to roll on a locus which is different from a locus on the first rolling guide surface formed in the arc shape. Loci of the mass member are seamlessly switched from the locus in which the mass member rolls on the first rolling guide surface to the locus in which the mass member rolls on the second rolling guide surface.