Torsional Vibration Damper with Integrated Sensor Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring torsional vibrations in drive trains are costly, complex, and require additional equipment, as they often necessitate the use of third-party components and on-site technicians, limiting their widespread applicability.

Innovation Solution

Integration of sensors and data acquisition means directly into the flexible coupling of torsional vibration dampers, allowing for self-installation and reusability, eliminating the need for external devices and technicians, with data transmission options including wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If torsional vibration measurement is carried out using third-party components and on-site technicians, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsional vibration measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the measurement function with the flexible coupling component itself. Sensors and evaluation devices are integrated directly into the coupling, merging the measurement system with the drive train component. This eliminates the need for separate third-party measurement equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible coupling is equipped with integrated sensors and an evaluation device that enables it to perform self-diagnosis and self-measurement of torsional vibrations. The system can automatically evaluate its own operational state without requiring external measurement equipment or specialist technicians,实现ing self-service functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If third-party components and on-site technicians are used for measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement installation and execution time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensors and evaluation devices are pre-integrated into the flexible coupling during manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures that the measurement system is already in place and configured correctly before the component is installed in the drive train, eliminating the need for on-site installation by specialists and reducing measurement execution time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system enables the flexible coupling to perform self-measurement and self-evaluation of its operational state. The evaluation device processes sensor data locally within the coupling, allowing immediate assessment of torsional vibrations without requiring external measurement equipment or technician intervention, thereby reducing time loss and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If sensors and data acquisition means are integrated into the flexible coupling, then ease of operation and reusability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and reuse simplicityVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system and data acquisition means are merged with the flexible coupling structure. The sensors are mounted on the coupling elements, and the evaluation device is integrated into the coupling housing or control unit. This merging approach allows the measurement functionality to be installed and removed with the coupling itself, improving ease of operation and reusability without requiring separate complex measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces structural, control, and cost expenditures, enabling efficient and cost-effective torsional vibration measurement within the scope of the manufacturer's delivery, facilitating easier installation and reuse of measuring technology.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling takes place in such a way that torque can be transmitted via the means for spring and/or damping coupling and, furthermore, the first and second coupling elements can be rotated relative to one another to a limited extent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The task of such an elastic coupling in the drive train is to reduce the torsional vibrations generated by a drive machine to a level that the drive train can bear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP1931892B1Torsional vibration damper
Publication Date: 2012.06.27 VOITH TURBO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1931892B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP1931892B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP1931892B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The invention relates to a torsional vibration damper with a flexible coupling (2), comprising at least one first coupling element (3) which can be connected to a driving element, at least one second coupling element (4) which can be connected to a power take-off in a rotationally fixed manner, said elements being at least indirectly coupled to each other via spring and/or damping coupling means (5). The damper also comprises a device (6) for detecting at least one variable that is at least indirectly characteristic of the mode of functioning and/or operation of the flexible coupling. The invention is characterized by the following features: the device (6) for detecting at least one variable that is at least indirectly characteristic of the mode of functioning is integrated into the flexible coupling (2); the device for detecting at least one variable that is at least indirectly characteristic of the mode of operation of the flexible coupling comprises means (15) for acquiring the operational characteristics and a permanently mounted interface (7), comprising means (8) for reading out the variables that are at least indirectly characteristic of the mode of operation of the flexible coupling (2).