Torque Coupler Pendulum Flange Cutout Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing torque coupler design subjects the spacer bolt or riveted connection to both shear and bending forces during operation, which reduces the service life and increases the complexity and cost of the connection.
Innovation Solution
The torque coupler incorporates a pendulum flange that extends between two areas, with a cutout in the output flange allowing the pendulum flange to move closer to an intermediate plate, reducing axial leverage and enabling a connection that is subjected only to tension or shear, eliminating bending loads, and optimizing the use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spacer bolt is used to maintain axial intermediate space between flanges, then the necessary clearance for output flange coupling is achieved, but the connection is subjected to bending forces that reduce service life
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum flange is designed with a cutout that allows it to extend through the output flange in the axial dimension. This dimensional change enables the connection to be positioned closer to the intermediate plate while maintaining the necessary axial intermediate space, thereby eliminating bending forces on the spacer bolt and improving connection reliability.
2Reliability
If the pendulum flange is positioned closer to the intermediate plate, then bending load on the connection is reduced, but the axial intermediate space for output flange coupling must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum flange is segmented by introducing a cutout, which divides it into two separate areas. This segmentation allows the pendulum flange to be positioned closer to the intermediate plate for stronger connection while the cutout provides the necessary axial intermediate space for output flange coupling, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and operational clearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection is dimensioned more weakly due to reduced loading, then cost benefits are achieved, but the structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cutout in the pendulum flange changes the structural parameters by creating a lever arm that transforms the force transmission path. This parameter change allows the connection to be dimensioned more weakly (reducing material and cost) while maintaining structural integrity, as the cutout geometry ensures proper force distribution and eliminates bending loads.
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 the strength and durability of the connection, reduces material requirements, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective torque coupler with reduced risk of overloading the elastic elements.
Implementation Method 1
The spring damper includes an elastic element whose ends are connected to an input side or an output side of the torque coupler, in order to compress or to decompress the spring damper under the influence of a changing torque
Implementation Method 2
The centrifugal force pendulum includes a pendulum flange, on which a pendulum mass is movably situated in the plane of rotation, so that the pendulum mass is moved radially inward or outward under the influence of the angular acceleration, thus reducing or cancelling out the torsional vibration which is the basis of the angular acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
A torque coupler includes an input side and an output side, which are situated rotatably around an axis of rotation, and in addition an intermediate plate for coupling with the input side, an output flange for coupling with the output side, a spring damper for coupling the intermediate plate with the output flange, and a centrifugal force pendulum having a pendulum flange and a pendulum mass. Here the pendulum flange extends between a first area, in which the pendulum flange is attached to the intermediate plate, and a second area, in which the pendulum mass is attached to the pendulum flange. The output flange has a cutout, through which a section of the pendulum flange which connects the two areas runs.