V-Ribbed Belt Fabric Structure for Low-Noise, Low-Wear Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

V-ribbed belts experience noise development, wear, and mechanical energy losses due to friction and static/dynamic friction interactions with pulleys, which complicates their service life and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A V-ribbed belt design with a fabric overlay having a higher weft thread mass fraction than warp thread mass fraction, featuring an elastic base body made from a vulcanizate with a textured fabric layer that reduces friction and noise through improved elasticity and deformation capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional fabric covering with lower weft thread mass fraction than warp thread mass fraction is used, then the belt structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but noise generation increases and wear resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise generationVSAvoidfabric thread ratio configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mass fraction parameters of the fabric threads, specifically making the weft thread mass fraction greater than the warp thread mass fraction (weft/warp > 1). This parameter inversion resolves the technical contradiction by reducing noise generation and improving wear resistance while accepting increased manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a conventional fabric covering with lower weft thread mass fraction than warp thread mass fraction is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but wear resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidfabric thread ratio configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by inverting the conventional thread mass fraction ratio. By making the weft thread mass fraction greater than the warp thread mass fraction, the fabric covering achieves improved wear resistance and reliability, while the complexity of the fabric configuration increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the fabric layer has higher weft thread mass fraction, then friction losses are reduced and mechanical efficiency improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical energy lossesVSAvoidthread mass fraction control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the energy loss parameter by inverting the thread mass fraction ratio (weft > warp). This parameter change reduces friction losses and improves mechanical efficiency, while simultaneously increasing the manufacturing precision requirements for controlling the thread mass fractions during production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design significantly reduces noise, friction, and wear, leading to a longer service life and improved mechanical efficiency by enhancing the belt's ability to deform around pulleys without failure, while maintaining effective force transmission.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic base body based on a vulcanizate, wherein the base body has a belt backing and a power transmission zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a fabric layer rests in the power transmission zone, the fabric layer comprising warp threads with a warp thread mass fraction and weft threads with a weft thread mass fraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3822399B1Drive belt and method for producing a drive belt
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 ARNTZ BET GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3822399B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3822399B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3822399B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive belt comprising an elastic base body based on a vulcanizate, wherein the base body has a belt backing and a power transmission zone opposite the belt backing with a power transmission profile, and wherein a fabric layer rests in the power transmission zone, the fabric layer comprising warp threads with a certain mass fraction and weft threads with a certain mass fraction, wherein the warp threads are arranged running in the direction of travel of the drive belt and the weft mass fraction is greater than the warp mass fraction. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a drive belt and to the use of such a drive belt.