Vibration Damping Patents (Class 180/381)
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Patent number: 11674547Abstract: A bearing arrangement includes a shaft, at least one contact bearing and at least one non-contact bearing and a controller. The controller is configured to control a magnitude of a restoring force applied to the shaft by the non-contact bearing in accordance with a sensed parameter such that a stiffness of the shaft is modified such that one or more resonance frequencies of the shaft are moved away from one or more external forcing frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Lucia Ciciriello, Mark S King
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Patent number: 11225138Abstract: A center bearing assembly for a multi-piece propeller shaft includes a stud yoke extending along an axis A between first and second stud yoke ends to define a central stub shaft rotatable about the axis A. A rotatable weld collar is operably connected to the second stud yoke end of the central stub shaft for simultaneous rotation therewith. The rotatable weld collar includes a body extending from a first collar end disposed adjacent the central stub shaft to a second collar end to define an exterior surface. A tuned damper extends radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the rotatable weld collar for reducing noise, vibration, and/or harshness (NVH) generated during operation of the multi-piece propeller shaft. A first shaft segment is operably connected to the rotatable weld collar and a second shaft segment is operably connected to the stud yoke for transferring a rotational force therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: John Willyard
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Patent number: 10704643Abstract: A damped propshaft assembly with a hollow shaft and a tuned damper, which is received in the hollow shaft and includes a liner and a damping member. The liner's mass and stiffness are tuned to attenuate one or more of a bending mode vibration and a torsion mode vibration that occurs at a first predetermined frequency. The liner is not configured to substantially damp shell mode vibration that occurs at a frequency that is not equal to the first predetermined frequency. The damping member is coupled to the liner and is configured to primarily attenuate shell mode vibration in the hollow shaft at one or more desired frequencies. The tuned damper attenuates the at least one of the bending moment vibration and the torsion mode vibration at the first predetermined frequency and also attenuates shell mode vibration. A method for forming a damped propshaft assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jason Ley, Zhaohui Sun, William Braun, Jeffrey P. Nyquist, Michael A. Voight
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Patent number: 10584763Abstract: A device for transmitting torque includes an input side and an output side which are disposed rotatably around an axis of rotation, as well as a centrifugal pendulum having at least one pendulum flange and a plurality of pendulum masses that are distributed around the axis of rotation and are movable radially. Furthermore, on the radial inner side of the pendulum masses an elastic stop element is provided to slow down the radially inward-moving pendulum masses, the stop element encircling the axis of rotation in a single piece.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Christian Dinger, Stephan Maienschein
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Patent number: 9879728Abstract: A center-bearing assembly includes an annular housing having a circumferential wall with a lip extending radially inward and includes a flange outboard of the circumferential wall. A roller bearing is sized to encircle a vehicle driveshaft and is disposed within the housing between the lip and the flange. An annular retainer is connected to the flange and includes an annular notch configured to shear in response to impact to the driveshaft allowing the bearing to release from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Peter Nicholas, Brian John Brown, Duane Allan Lewis, Bradley W. Doner, Edward Steven Lanivich, Rakesh Sharma
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Patent number: 9862269Abstract: A carrier bearing assembly for bolting to a frame of a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) can include a bracket comprising a first end, a second end, a width W extending between the first end and the second end, and first and second faces extending between the first end and the second end along the width W of the bracket. An opening can be formed completely through the bracket and extend from the first face to the second face, a centerline of the opening being at least 2.5 cm closer to the first end than the second end, and an angle between the opening and the bracket being in a range of 85-89° or 91-95°. A bearing can be fit in the opening and a rubber bushing can be disposed between the bracket and the bearing. First and second bolt openings can extend into the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventors: Jonathan D Roberts, Brent G Reynolds
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Patent number: 9850838Abstract: A system for reducing vibration from an engine shock event caused by turning on an engine of a vehicle. The system includes an engine vibration sensor connected to the engine and configured to detect vibration data. The system includes an engine shock dampening unit configured to analyze the vibration data received from the engine vibration sensor to detect the engine shock event. The engine shock dampening unit is further configured to determine a vibration cancellation instruction for partially or completely cancelling the vibration from the engine shock event when the engine shock event is detected. The system includes a vibration unit configured to vibrate in an opposing direction of the vibration from the engine shock event based on the vibration cancellation instruction such that the vibration from the engine shock event is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Justin J. Chow
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Patent number: 9526198Abstract: A suspension unit for an agricultural implement, the suspension unit includes a bearing unit. The bearing unit contains an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve which is rotatable relative to said inner sleeve, and a friction-reducing member arranged between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The suspension unit further includes a spring element, arranged radially outside the outer sleeve, and a holder which forms a spring chamber in which the spring element is accommodated. The spring element is fixed in the spring chamber between a circumferential, radially outwardly open groove, which is integrated with the outer sleeve, and a radially inwardly open groove, which surrounds the outer sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Vaderstad-Verken ABInventors: Henrik Johansson, Mikael Edvinsson, Crister Stark
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Patent number: 9017175Abstract: A propshaft assembly includes an axle flange, a propshaft, and a damper. The propshaft includes a prop flange, which may be mated to the axle flange for common rotation therewith. The damper includes an outer mass that annularly surrounds the prop flange. The damper is press-fit onto one of the prop flange and a flange pilot, such that the damper is attached directly to the propshaft without fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Steven W. Creek
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Patent number: 9008941Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-jerk control apparatus and method for an Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The anti-jerk control apparatus includes a model speed calculation unit for calculating a model speed of the motor in a state in which a vibration of a drive shaft is not considered. A vibration occurrence determination unit detects a speed vibration component while calculating a reference speed difference and an average speed difference from differences between the model speed and an actual speed of the motor, thus determining whether a vibration occurs on the drive shaft. A torque correction value calculation unit calculates a motor torque correction value for anti-jerk required to damp the vibration of the drive shaft, and controls torque of the motor if the vibration occurrence determination unit determines that the vibration occurs on the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Tae Wook Park, Joon Young Park, Tae Hoon Lee, Hyung Bin Ihm
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Patent number: 8997917Abstract: A universal interconnection system includes a bushing assembly having one or more bushing member disposed in an operative engagement between the components, wherein each bushing member is individually interconnected between the oppositely disposed components via corresponding bushing fasteners. Each of the oppositely disposed components comprises at least one interconnection aperture through which a portion of a bushing member is disposed prior to being secured therein by a corresponding bushing fastener. Each bushing fastener is removable from the bushing member thereby providing secure yet releasable interconnection of the oppositely disposed components.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventor: Gilberto Mesa
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Patent number: 8813604Abstract: An apparatus for damping vibrations in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a crankshaft with a lobe. The lobe has a flange with an opening that is coupled to the body of the lobe. A pendulum is pivotally coupled to the flange in a manner to allow the pendulum to follow an epicycloidal path of movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Bruce Geist, Christopher S. Barron, William F. Resh, Md Imran Hossain, Michael P. Patyi, Stan M. Mashkevich
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Patent number: 8794586Abstract: A coulomb damper is attached to a component of an exhaust system. The inner surface of the coulomb damper is in intimate contact with the outer surface of the component of the exhaust system. The intimate contact is defined by a pair of weld lines extending along an axial length of the coulomb damper in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the intimate contact is defined by at least a three point contact between the coulomb damper and the component of the exhaust system. In another embodiment a coulomb damper includes an outer member press fit over an inner member. A chamber is defined between the inner and outer member. In one embodiment, the inner member and the outer member are coaxial and the chamber is an annular chamber having a constant radial width. In another embodiment, the chamber is eccentric in relation to the inner member and has a variable radial width.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventor: Troy P. Rodecker
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Patent number: 8794585Abstract: A coulomb damper is attached to a component of an exhaust system. The inner surface of the coulomb damper is in intimate contact with the outer surface of the component of the exhaust system. The intimate contact is defined by a pair of weld lines extending along an axial length of the coulomb damper in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the intimate contact is defined by at least a three point contact between the coulomb damper and the component of the exhaust system.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventor: Troy P. Rodecker
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Patent number: 8776636Abstract: A vibration damping device is equipped with a mass body disposed spaced apart from a rotational center axis of a rotary shaft by a certain distance, and a rolling bearing that rotatably supports the mass body with respect to the rotary shaft and holds a support posture of the mass body with respect to the rotational center axis of the rotary shaft constant.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takahiro Mochihara
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Patent number: 8731868Abstract: A method (200) for the characterization of vibrational and/or acoustic transfer path related data of a physical system (100) where vibration or acoustics may play a role. The method (200) has a step of receiving (210) input data for at least one input point of the physical system and/or response data for at least one response point of the physical system (100). The method (200) further has a step of receiving (220) at least one system response function between the at least one input point and the at least one response point indicative of the transfer of vibration and/or acoustic signals. The method (200) also has a step of applying (230) at least one parametric model characterising at least one load on the physical system as a function of the input data, where the parametric models are identified from the input data and/or response data and the physical system response functions.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: LMS International NVInventors: Karl Hans Bert Janssens, Peter Paul Germain Mas, Peter Akos Gajdatsy, Herman Van Der Auweraer, Ludo Jean Pierre Gielen
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Patent number: 8628250Abstract: A support device of a propeller shaft comprises an annular bracket fixed to a floor member of a vehicle body; an annular elastic member disposed in the annular bracket; an annular supporting structure disposed in the annular elastic member and rotatably supporting a cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft through a ball bearing unit; and an annular seal member intimately disposed in an annular space defined between the annular supporting structure and the cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft. One of outer and inner cylindrical surfaces of the annular seal member is in slidable contact with either one of an inner cylindrical surface of the annular supporting structure and an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Hitchi, Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Oinuma, Hidekazu Aoki, Takahiro Kuroha, Takayuki Yokota, Hiromichi Komai, Yoshimichi Takano
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Patent number: 8616325Abstract: A drive shaft damper assembly installed onto a drive shaft bearing secured to a drive shaft mounted to a vehicle. The drive shaft bearing assembly includes a bearing collar assembly securely attached to the drive shaft bearing. The drive shaft damper assembly also includes an inner damper assembly, interconnected to the bearing collar assembly, which defines an inner bushing interface, and an outer damper assembly defining an outer bushing interface. A bushing assembly is disposed in an operative engagement between the inner and outer damper assemblies, wherein each of a plurality of bushing members are individually interconnected between the inner bushing interface and the outer bushing interface via corresponding bushing fasteners, the bushing members being removable and replaceable to permit tuning of the operation of the drive shaft. A mounting mechanism is structured to securely attach the outer damper assembly to a portion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Gilberto Mesa
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Patent number: 8573850Abstract: The invention relates to a support arrangement for the yielding support of a shaft bearing, having a radial inner support ring, into which the shaft bearing can be installed, and having a bearing housing for fixing the support arrangement. The radial inner support ring is connected to the bearing housing via a connection structure such that the radial inner support ring can be deflected from an initial position relative to the bearing housing with respect to a central axis of the shaft bearing both in the axial and radial directions from a starting position. The deflection delimitation device delimits the axial deflection of the radial inner support ring relative to the hearing housing in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: SGF Sueddeutsche Gelenkscheibenfabrik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Joachim Reihle, Hans Oberstarr
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Patent number: 8544591Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a bearing device for the vibrationally decoupled rotary mounting of an intermediate shaft on the engine block of a motor vehicle. It has the following features: a. a radial bearing with an inner ring for accommodating the intermediate shaft, and an outer ring, b. a bearing housing provided for attachment on the engine block of the motor vehicle and for accommodating the radial bearing in a non-rotatable manner, and which forms a mechanical interface for the attachment of the bearing housing on the engine block of the motor vehicle, wherein the bearing device further comprises at least one rubber-elastic damper member provided to be disposed in a vibration-damping way between the bearing housing and the engine block when the bearing housing is mounted on the engine block.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Neapco Europe GmbHInventors: Christian Felchner, Ole Biskup, Luis Höks
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Patent number: 8439150Abstract: A drive shaft damper assembly is structured to be installed onto a drive shaft bearing while it remains secured to a drive shaft mounted to a vehicle. The drive shaft bearing assembly includes a bearing collar assembly having a collar and a securing mechanism structured to securely attach the collar to the drive shaft bearing. The drive shaft damper assembly also includes an inner damper assembly, interconnected to the bearing collar assembly, which defines an inner bushing interface, and an outer damper assembly defining an outer bushing interface. A bushing assembly is disposed in an operative engagement between the inner and outer damper assemblies, wherein each of a plurality of bushing members are individually interconnected between the inner bushing interface and the outer bushing interface. A mounting mechanism is structured to securely attach the outer damper assembly to a portion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Gilberto Mesa
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Patent number: 8205710Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission that prevents escape of noise generated by a resin block belt to the outside. The resin block belt is wound around a primary sheave and a secondary sheave. A transmission case defines a belt chamber accommodating the primary sheave, secondary sheave, and resin block belt. The transmission case includes an exhaust passage, intake passages, and a sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is attached to an inner wall of the exhaust passage in a position to collide with sound waves traveling through the exhaust passage. The sound absorbing member has a sound absorbing surface crossing an extending direction of the exhaust passage.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yousuke Ishida
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Patent number: 8136621Abstract: A driveline with a shaft and a vibration damper coupled to the shaft. The damper includes a hub, a first mass, a first resilient coupling, a second mass, and a second resilient coupling. The first mass is disposed concentrically about the hub. The first resilient coupling resiliently couples the first mass to the hub. The first resilient coupling has a first spring constant. The second mass is disposed concentrically about the first mass. The second resilient coupling resiliently couples the second mass directly to the first mass. The second resilient coupling has a second spring constant that is less than the first spring constant. The first mass and the first resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a first frequency. The second mass and the second resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a second frequency. The second frequency is lower than the first frequency.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Glen Steyer, Zhaohui Sun, David P. Schankin
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Patent number: 8132640Abstract: A frangible mount for a vehicle differential that includes a first horizontal mounting flange, a second mounting flange parallel to and vertically offset from the first mounting flange, and a generally circular differential shaft bushing holder portion with a central axis transverse to the first and second mounting flanges. The mount also includes a first transition integrally formed with, and between, the first mounting flange and the receiver portion, a notch defined between the first mounting flange and the first transition, and a second transition integrally formed with, and between, the second mounting flange and the receiver portion. When an axial force is applied to the bushing holder portion in excess of a threshold value, either the first transition or the first mounting flange fracture and either the second transition or the second mounting flange fracture, thus, allowing the bushing holder portion to be displaced apart from the first mounting flange and second mounting flange.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eric Heitkamp, Stephen Rosepiler, Kishore Pydimarry
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Patent number: 8010060Abstract: RF signal noise in a powertrain utilizing a power inverter module and electric motor is attenuated by providing a low impedance connection between a transmission output shaft and housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: William T Ivan, Edward L. Kaiser, Grantland I. Kingman, David J. Trzcinski
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Patent number: 7942229Abstract: A vibration damper includes a hub, a first mass, a first resilient coupling, a second mass, and a second resilient coupling. The first mass is disposed concentrically about the hub. The first resilient coupling resiliently couples the first mass to the hub. The first resilient coupling has a first spring constant. The second mass is disposed concentrically about the first mass. The second resilient coupling resiliently couples the second mass directly to the first mass. The second resilient coupling has a second spring constant that is less than the first spring constant. The first mass and the first resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a first frequency. The second mass and the second resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a second frequency. The second frequency is lower than the first frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Glen Steyer, Zhaohui Sun, David P Schankin
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Patent number: 7938222Abstract: An independently suspended, driven axle shaft set in which the axle shafts are asymmetric with respect to each other, wherein the asymmetry provides mitigation of powerhop. The asymmetric axle shafts are asymmetrically selected such that the relative torsional stiffness therebetween is different by a ratio substantially between about 1.4 to 1 and about 2.0 to 1. The asymmetry may be provided by any known modality that alters torsional stiffness and is compliant with operational load demands of the axle shafts, as for example the axle shafts having the same length, but differing cross-sectional diameters; or by the axle shafts having the same cross-sectional diameters, but differing lengths; or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David W. Mikels, Young-Jin Seo
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Patent number: 7922394Abstract: In a propeller shaft for a motor vehicle, an outer periphery of an outer end of an annular support member is formed as an expanded poison.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Showa CorporationInventors: Junichi Hirakawa, Toru Yamada
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Patent number: 7915842Abstract: An active vibration isolation support system includes an electronic control unit which supplies a target electric current to an actuator to periodically drive the actuator in an expansion and contraction manner with a target vibration waveform. The controller sets the target electric current by synthesizing a driving primary electric current waveform corresponding to the target vibration waveform for the actuator with higher-order (driving secondary and/or tertiary) electric current waveforms which eliminate higher-order vibration components of the actuator corresponding to the driving primary electric current waveform. It is possible to alleviate a calculating load in the electronic control unit by ignoring the quaternary and still higher-order vibration components which less affect the target vibration waveform for the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirotomi Nemoto, Tetsuya Ishiguro
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Patent number: 7896554Abstract: In a propeller shaft for a motor vehicle, a cover is provided in an outer end of an annular support member, the cover extends to an inner side in a radial direction from an outer end of the annular support member, and the extended end sets a gap formed with respect to an outer shell of a stopper means so as to be open in an axial direction to an inlet of a labyrinth seal.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Toru Yamada
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Publication number: 20110031058Abstract: A pendulum absorber system attenuates torsional vibrations within a drive train of a vehicle. The system can be incorporated between an engine and an automatic transmission, for example, within a flex plate assembly attached to an engine's crankshaft, within a pump housing cover of a torque converter, or as a stand-alone unit between a flex plate assembly and a torque converter. The system includes at least one pendulum weight that dynamically moves along a predetermined path in response to variations in rotational velocities of a housing of the system and that is tuned to attenuate excitation of torsional vibrations within the drive train. A limiter assembly, which can include multiple limiters, is provided within the system for stopping movement of the weight when it reaches endpoints of the predetermined path, by mechanically impeding further movement at both of a first and second end of the weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: James R. Klotz, Bruce Geist, Jerry P. Harkey
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Publication number: 20100065364Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a bearing device for the vibrationally decoupled rotary mounting of an intermediate shaft on the engine block of a motor vehicle. It has the following features: a. a radial bearing with an inner ring for accommodating the intermediate shaft, and an outer ring, b. a bearing housing provided for attachment on the engine block of the motor vehicle and for accommodating the radial bearing in a non-rotatable manner, and which forms a mechanical interface for the attachment of the bearing housing on the engine block of the motor vehicle, wherein the bearing device further comprises at least one rubber-elastic damper member provided to be disposed in a vibration-damping way between the bearing housing and the engine block when the bearing housing is mounted on the engine block.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: tedrive Holding B.V.Inventors: Christian FELCHNER, Ole Biskup, Luis Höks
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Patent number: 7600601Abstract: A mass damper for use with a drive shaft center support bearing is located on a non-rotating portion of the bearing and is suspended on a spring element for free vibration and has a resonance that is selected to be the same as that which would otherwise be communicated to the vehicle through the bearing by the drive shaft and drivetrain components. The two embodiments are each tunable so that the damper can be set to have different resonant vibration characteristics, as required for use with different drive shaft and drivetrain configurations.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLCInventors: Steve X. Lin, Carlos F. Osorio, Nitin Y. Wani
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Patent number: 7543678Abstract: A torque tube propshaft assembly having an outer tube free to float with movements of an inner shaft (propshaft) by being free of rigid anchorage at each end. A plurality of shaft bearings interface the outer tube with the inner shaft, wherein the outer tube is generally co-extensive with the inner shaft. An anti-rotation mechanism prevents rotation of the outer tube with respect to the frame of the motor vehicle. An axial slip mechanism is integrated with at least one end of the inner shaft. A non-welded construction of the power carrying components is provided. The outer tube provides bending support so the inner shaft does not become dynamically unstable at any rotation speed including its critical speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Rolando V. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 7533756Abstract: A propshaft assembly includes a shaft structure having a hollow cavity and an insert member being positioned within the hollow cavity and engaging the shaft structure. The shaft structure vibrates in response to receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that a shell mode anti-node is generated. The insert member is located at a position that approximately corresponds to the anti-node and has a compressive strength that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the anti-node to thereby attenuate vibration of the shaft structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Dumitru F. Patrascu, Zhaohui Sun
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Publication number: 20080283330Abstract: A torsional-vibration damper T is adapted to be connected to a crankshaft 2 of a motor vehicle. The torsional-vibration damper T includes a primary element 5 of a drive side thereof connected indirectly or directly to the crankshaft 2 substantially free of play in an axial direction “ax.” A secondary element 6 of an output side of the torsional-vibration damper T is substantially coaxially coupled rotatably and spring-elastically to the primary element 5 for transmission of rotational movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2006Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Till Ebner, Volker Heinz, Dietmar Ernst Strauss, Christian Halm, Jochen Bolling
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Publication number: 20080142290Abstract: A vehicle drive system including: a front drive unit in a front part of a vehicle, which has an engine and a torque converter integrally assembled to one another; a rear drive unit in a rear part of the vehicle, which has a transmission and a differential integrally assembled to one another; and a drive shaft connecting the torque converter of the front drive unit and the transmission of the rear drive unit. The drive shaft is configured to be elastically twistable for damping vibration transmission between the front and rear drive units.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazutoshi Mizuno, Kouji Takahashi, Hiroyuki Nomura, Tatsuro Yamataka, Seiji Akamine, Haruaki Nakatsukasa
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Patent number: 7357204Abstract: A drive-control-system of electromotive vehicle and drive-control-method of an electromotive vehicle. A system has a condition-determination-process unit that reads a vibration index as a factor causing vibration in the vehicle-drive-system, and determines whether a damping-control-starting-condition is established based on the vibration index, and a damping-control-process unit that performs a damping control process such that a variable of vibration generation is reduced when the damping-control-starting-condition is established.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Hisada, Kazuo Aoki, Kazuma Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7320381Abstract: A propshaft assembly includes a shaft structure having a hollow cavity and an insert member being positioned within the hollow cavity and engaging the shaft structure. The shaft structure vibrates in response to receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that a shell mode anti-node is generated. The insert member is located at a position that approximately corresponds to the anti-node and has a compressive strength that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the anti-node to thereby attenuate vibration of the shaft structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Dumitru F. Patrascu, Zhaohui Sun
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Patent number: 6976790Abstract: A seal structure for an inner-shaft bearing of a front-wheel drive vehicle includes an inner-shaft interconnecting a differential gear to a drive shaft for achieving balance between a left wheel drive shaft and a right wheel drive shaft. An inner-shaft bearing is assembled to the inner shaft and sealed with an inner seal member. A bracket is connected to the vehicle body and fixed to the circumference of the inner-shaft bearing for supporting the inner-shaft. A first dust cover is inserted to the inner-shaft for enclosing one end of the bracket, and a second dust cover is inserted to the drive shaft for enclosing the other end of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Kyeng Min Min
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Patent number: 6913105Abstract: A shock-absorbing mechanism for a power-transmission device includes a cylindrical driven-side shaft coupled to the driving-side shaft through a constant-velocity joint to be axially relatively slidable with respect to the driving-side shaft, a center bearing for rotatably supporting the driving-side shaft to the vehicle body, and a labyrinth mechanism for sealing the inside of the center bearing. An end of the driven-side shaft on the side of the driving-side shaft is disposed axially opposite to the labyrinth mechanism. When the two shafts are slid in the direction to approach each other by an axial load input thereto, the end of the driven-side shaft collides axially with the labyrinth mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Masuda, Masao Sakamoto, Shinichi Kondo, Masao Kishi
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Patent number: 6869226Abstract: A drive train of a motor vehicle includes a power divider, a side shaft, a constant-velocity joint, an intermediate shaft, and a bearing unit. The intermediate shaft has first and second ends. The first end of the intermediate shaft is rotatably connected to the power divider and is mounted in the power divider with a first bearing, and the second end is located opposite the power divider and is connected to the side shaft via the constant-velocity joint. The bearing unit provides further mounting for the intermediate shaft between the first bearing and the constant-velocity joint. The bearing unit has a play oriented radially with respect to the intermediate shaft, and is able to exert a force oriented radially to the intermediate shaft on the intermediate shaft only after the play has been overcome.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Juergen Henkel, Thomas Keller, Andreas Kollmann, Dietmar Rill, Rolf Schroeder, Guenter Woerner
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Patent number: 6758302Abstract: The present invention is directed to a driveline configuration for a heavy-duty truck having multiple drive axles. The driveline configuration reduces the torsional vibrations associated with second order torsional excitation produced by the driveline's universal joints in both nominal and off-design conditions. The forward drive axle (101) and rearward drive axle (102) are oriented such that the interaxle drive shaft (110) utilizes a parallel shaft geometry with small joint operating angles. A double cardan joint (115) connects the main drive shaft (107) to the forward drive axle.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Paccar IncInventor: Roger P. Penzotti
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Patent number: 6752722Abstract: A shaft structure and at least two insert members. The shaft structure has a longitudinally extending cavity and is configured to vibrate in response to the receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that at least two second bending mode anti-nodes are generated in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal axis of the shaft structure. The insert members are disposed within the longitudinally extending cavity and engage an inner wall of the shaft structure. Each of the insert members is located at a position that approximately corresponds to an associated one of the anti-nodes and has a density that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the associated anti-node. A method for attenuating noise transmission from a vehicle driveline is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Mary Ellen Armitage, Jeffrey N. Heaton, David P. Schankin, Donald J. Kurecka
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Patent number: 6729455Abstract: A structure and a method for supporting an electromagnetic coupling (1) onto a vehicle body (347) is disclosed as being interposed between a center support bearing (37) remaining closer to a propeller shaft (319) and a center support bearing (37) remaining closer to a propeller shaft (321). The center support bearings (37, 37) are fixedly mounted to the vehicle body via shock absorbing members (35, 35), respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignees: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Isao Hirota, Toshikazu Ubagai
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Publication number: 20030196846Abstract: A shock-absorbing mechanism for a power-transmission device includes a cylindrical driven-side shaft coupled to the driving-side shaft through a constant-velocity joint to be axially relatively slidable with respect to the driving-side shaft, a center bearing for rotatably supporting the driving-side shaft to the vehicle body, and a labyrinth mechanism for sealing the inside of the center bearing. An end of the driven-side shaft on the side of the driving-side shaft is disposed axially opposite to the labyrinth mechanism. When the two shafts are slid in the direction to approach each other by an axial load input thereto, the end of the driven-side shaft collides axially with the labyrinth mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: HITACHI UNISIA AUTOMOTIVE, LTD.Inventors: Toshiyuki Masuda, Masao Sakamoto, Shinichi Kondo, Masao Kishi
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Patent number: 6631914Abstract: A suspension system is provided with a suspension cross member 12 for rear wheels, a suspension member supported on the suspension cross member 12, elastic mounts 19 to 21 for mounting the suspension cross member 12 on the vehicle body, the elastic mounting means 19 to 21 being provided at three positions along forward and backward directions in such a manner as to form a triangle when the vehicle body is viewed sideways. Thus, a change in wheel alignment can be effectively suppressed without reducing a vehicle's comfort to ride.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazunori Kawamura, Masashi Oda, Hiroyoshi Kumada, Toshihide Koyama
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Patent number: 6578657Abstract: A driveline system for a motor vehicle includes at least two propeller shafts and a driveline angle reducer disposed therebetween for drivingly interconnecting the propeller shafts at a fixed operating angle. The driveline angle reducer includes a housing rotatably supporting therewithin a fixed-angle constant-velocity joint. The housing of the driveline angle reducer is mounted to a vehicle body and contains a supply of a lubricant for lubrication of the constant-velocity joint. The driveline angle reducer allows propeller shaft operating angles to be in a range where conventional Cardan joints can be used in the driveline systems without causing excessive cyclic vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ralph W. Baxter, Jr.
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Patent number: 6557659Abstract: A driveline assembly for interconnecting one driveline component to another driveline component includes a vibration dampening mechanism. The vibration dampening mechanism is installed between a universal joint member and a companion flange. The universal joint member is coupled to a driveshaft and the companion flange is coupled to a drive axle member. A resilient member is secured between the universal joint and the companion flange for absorbing vibrations transmitted between the axle member and the driveshaft. Together the universal joint and companion flange define a central axis. The resilient member is compressible in a linear direction along the central axis to absorb vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Patrick Kurzeja, Jim Hawkins, Christos Kyrtsos, Ronald N. Brissette, Christopher S. Keeney, Jack Darrin Oates, Tom Sanko
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Publication number: 20020139603Abstract: One or more piezo-based devices are mounted on a center bearing assembly of a drive train assembly for reducing the amount of vibrations that are generated therein during operation. The piezo-based device is used to dampen these vibrations by converting the physical vibratory motion of the driveshaft tube into an electrical current that is dissipated through a resistive element as heat. By varying the magnitude of the resistive element, the center damping frequency of the piezo-based device can be varied as needed for center bearing assembly and drive train. If desired, an inductive element may be provided with the resistive element to dissipate the electrical current. The magnitude of the resistive element may be varied by a controller in response to the magnitude and/or frequency of the vibrations sensed by a sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Albert Aiken, James A. Duggan