Flywheel with torsional dampening ring
AssigneeBRP US Inc.
InventorMichael J. Biel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for constructing a flywheel assembly is disclosed. The flywheel assembly includes a flywheel hub that is constructed to engage a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. A ferrous ring is attached to the flywheel hub with an elastomer ring positioned therebetween. The elastomer ring isolates the ferrous ring from the flywheel hub such that the ferrous ring resonates at a frequency that substantially reduces the amplitude of the resonance of the crankshaft and flywheel. Such a construction effectively dampens the torsional resonance of the engine and provides for smoother operation.
Claims22
A flywheel assembly comprising:
- a flywheel having a hub for mounting the flywheel to a crankshaft of an engine, the flywheel having a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, the first outer diameter defining a first outer surface and the second outer diameter defining a second cylindrical outer surface;
- a plurality of teeth disposed about the first outer surface;
- a first ring attached to the flywheel about the second outer surface;
- and
- a second ring attached to the first ring and formed of a material different from that of the first ring;
- the first ring being isolated from direct contact with the flywheel by the second ring.
A flywheel assembly comprising:
- a ring having an inner surface;
- a flywheel having a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, the first outer diameter defining a first outer surface and the second outer diameter defining a second cylindrical outer surface, and an opening for mounting to a crankshaft of an engine;
- a plurality of teeth disposed about the first outer surface;
- and
- an elastomer ring having a first side attached to the second outer surface of the flywheel and a second side attached to the inner surface of the ring thereby separating the ring from the flywheel.
A flywheel assembly comprising:
- a ring having an inner diameter;
- a flywheel having a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, the first outer diameter defining a first outer surface and the second outer diameter defining a second cylindrical outer surface, and an opening for mounting to a crankshaft of an engine;
- the second outer diameter of the flywheel being smaller than the inner diameter of the ring;
- a ring gear disposed about the first outer surface;
- and
- a flexible membrane disposed between the inner diameter of the ring and the second outer surface of the flywheel and constructed to prevent contact therebetween.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.