Torque Transmission Device Guide Washer Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing torque transmission devices for motor vehicles, particularly those with hysteresis washers, are fragile and difficult to produce due to wedge-shaped flanges, making them inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an auxiliary guide washer coupled in rotation with the web and application washer, eliminating the need for wedge-shaped edges, resulting in a more robust and easily manufacturable hysteresis torque generation mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wedge-shaped flanges are used in the hysteresis washer to achieve coupling, then rotational coupling is achieved, but the structure becomes fragile and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the coupling function into two separate components: the hysteresis washer with radial protrusions and the guide washer with corresponding recesses. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex wedge-shaped flanges in the hysteresis washer, making it easier to manufacture from sheet metal while maintaining reliable rotational coupling through the interaction between protrusions and recesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide washer acts as an intermediary component that mediates the coupling between the hysteresis washer and the web. Instead of requiring the hysteresis washer to have complex wedge-shaped flanges, the guide washer provides the coupling interface through its recesses that receive the simpler radial protrusions, thereby simplifying the hysteresis washer structure while ensuring reliable coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wedge-shaped flanges are used in the hysteresis washer, then coupling beyond angular range is achieved, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular range adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into the hysteresis washer with radial protrusions and the guide washer with recesses. This allows the system to achieve coupling beyond a determined angular range through the interaction of these simpler, segmented components rather than requiring complex wedge-shaped flanges integrated into the hysteresis washer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide washer effectively copies or replicates the coupling function that would otherwise require complex wedge-shaped flanges. By providing recesses that match the radial protrusions, the guide washer creates a simplified copy of the coupling interface, reducing the complexity of the hysteresis washer while maintaining the same functional outcome.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If the hysteresis washer structure is simplified, then manufacturing ease improves, but coupling reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidcoupling reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide washer serves as an intermediary that ensures coupling reliability despite the simplification of the hysteresis washer. The recesses in the guide washer are precisely designed to receive and engage with the radial protrusions, providing a reliable coupling interface that compensates for the reduced complexity of the hysteresis washer structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional wedge-shaped flange design to a three-dimensional interaction between radial protrusions and recesses. This dimensional change allows for simpler manufacturing of the hysteresis washer while maintaining reliable coupling through the engaged protrusion-recess interface.

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

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 solution enhances the coupling and decoupling of the hysteresis and application washers beyond a determined angular range, improving the device's durability and production efficiency without adding extra components, thereby addressing the fragility and production challenges of prior art.

Implementation Method 1

Friction means make it possible to generate a hysteresis torque during rotation of the web relative to the torque input element, said friction means comprising an application washer mounted axially between the web and the first guide, at least one elastic member capable of exerting an axial force... so that said variable hysteresis washer generates a hysteresis torque by friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least one elastic member tending to push back the application washer and/or the veil in the direction of the variable hysteresis washer... when the movement of the veil relative to the torque input element exceeds a determined angular range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3150881B1Torque transmission device, in particular for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP3150881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3150881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a torque transmission device (10), particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a torque input element (12, 16a, 16b) intended to be coupled to a crankshaft and comprising first and second guide washers (16a, 16b), an annular disc (24), a torque output element comprising a hub (14) intended to be coupled to an input shaft of a gearbox, the disc (24) being able to slide about its axis (X) relative to the hub (14), a primary damper (A1) arranged between the torque input element (12, 16a, 16b) and the disc (24), and a secondary damper or pre-damper arranged between the disc (24) and the torque output element (14), friction means suitable for generating a hysteresis torque during the rotation of the disc (24) relative to the torque input element. (12, 16a, 16b).