Compliant gear assembly, engine and gear train operating method
US8225689B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19907
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A compliant gear assembly for a gear train of an internal combustion engine includes a hub subassembly having a first hub component and a second hub component. The first hub component defines a first axis, and the compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring rotatable relative to the hub subassembly and defining a gear ring axis of rotation. The second hub component is movable relative to the first hub component in a direction normal to the first axis between a first stop position at which the gear ring axis of rotation is co-linear with the first axis and a second stop position at which the gear ring axis of rotation is parallel to but not co-linear with the first axis. A compliance mechanism is coupled between the first hub component and the second hub component and biases the second hub component toward the first stop position. Translating the second hub component relative to the first hub component in a direction normal to the first axis attenuates torque spikes induced for example via fuel injector actuation and/or cylinder firing in an engine gear train employing the compliant gear assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.