Twisted Damper Assembly for Propshaft Vibration Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attenuating vibrations in propshafts, such as using foam inserts, are time-consuming and lack precision in installation, failing to effectively reduce noise caused by driveline excitations in modern automotive vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method and machine for assembling a propshaft assembly that involves using a tubular member with a damper, where the damper is twisted and translated into the tubular member using a controlled system of rams to precisely install and compress it, thereby attenuating vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If foam inserts are used to attenuate vibrations in propshafts, then vibration attenuation is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration attenuationVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The damper is pre-formed with a twisted configuration before installation. This preliminary twisting allows the damper to be compressed into the propshaft tube more easily and quickly, reducing installation time while ensuring precise positioning once installed. The pre-twisted state enables the damper to expand to its final configuration inside the tube, achieving accurate placement without time-consuming manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual vacuum-based insertion methods with a controlled mechanical twisting and expansion system. By using a twisting mechanism to compress and insert the damper, followed by controlled untwisting to expand it in place, the process achieves both speed and precision that manual methods cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If foam inserts are used to attenuate vibrations in propshafts, then vibration attenuation is achieved, but the installation precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration attenuationVSAvoidinstallation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The damper is pre-formed with a twisted configuration before installation. This preliminary twisting allows the damper to be compressed into the propshaft tube more easily and quickly, reducing installation time while ensuring precise positioning once installed. The pre-twisted state enables the damper to expand to its final configuration inside the tube, achieving accurate placement without time-consuming manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual vacuum-based insertion methods with a controlled mechanical twisting and expansion system. By using a twisting mechanism to compress and insert the damper, followed by controlled untwisting to expand it in place, the process achieves both speed and precision that manual methods cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a controlled ram system is used to install the damper, then installation precision and speed are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidmachine complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation system is divided into distinct functional modules: a ram for linear compression, a twisting mechanism for rotational compression, and a control system for coordinating their movements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high productivity. The modular design enables independent optimization of each subsystem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ram system is designed to perform multiple functions: linear compression, rotational twisting, and controlled retraction. By making the ram multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each operation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining assembly speed and precision.

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 solution effectively reduces propshaft vibrations, enhancing sound quality in vehicles by precisely installing a damper within the propshaft, which translates to improved noise reduction and increased efficiency in the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

The present disclosure relates to a method and a machine for assembling a propshaft assembly... effectively reduces propshaft vibrations, enhancing sound quality in vehicles by precisely installing a damper within the propshaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9352426B2Method and machine for assembling a propshaft assembly

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING INC

AI summary

A method for assembling a propshaft assembly. The method can include: providing a tubular member, the tubular member having an annular wall with an inside circumferential surface; twisting a damper; installing the twisted damper in the tubular member; untwisting the damper in the tubular member such that the damper engages the inside circumferential surface of the annular wall. A machine for assembling a propshaft assembly is also provided.