System and method for inertial torque reaction management

Abstract

A system and method for managing inertial torque reactions on stationary powertrain structure rotate at least one selected engine component and at least one selected drive train component in opposite directions so the rotational inertia of the selected drive train component acts in a direction opposite to that of the rotational inertia of the selected engine component to reduce or eliminate the inertial torque reactions on stationary powertrain structure caused by rotational acceleration and deceleration of powertrain components and improves performance with respect to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

1 . A method for managing inertial torque reaction in a vehicle having an engine and a drive train, the method comprising: 
 operating the drive train to rotate inertia in a direction opposite to rotating inertia created by operation of the engine.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the engine includes a crankshaft and the drive train includes a transmission having at least one inertial component including one of a torque converter and a flywheel and wherein the step of operating the drive train comprises rotating the at least one inertial component in a direction opposite to rotational direction of the crankshaft.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising coupling the drive train to the engine using a device to reverse direction of rotation of a drive train torque converter relative to an engine crankshaft.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the step of coupling comprises coupling the torque converter and the crankshaft using a planetary gear set.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the step of coupling comprises connecting the torque converter to the crankshaft using a plurality of toothed wheels.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein at least one of the toothed wheels comprises a scissors gear.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising operating the drive train to create rotating inertia having a magnitude substantially equal to rotating inertia of the engine.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising operating at least one drive train component at a speed differential relative to engine speed, the speed differential being based on rotational inertia magnitude of the engine relative to rotational inertia magnitude of the drive train.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of operating the drive train comprises reducing speed of a transmission torque converter relative to an engine crankshaft.  
   
   
       10 . A method for managing inertial torque reaction in a powertrain having a prime mover and a drive train, the method comprising coupling the prime mover to the drive train using a device that reverses direction of rotation of a drive train inertial component relative to direction of rotation of a prime mover output component.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising operating the drive train inertial component at a speed differential relative to the prime mover output component, the speed differential based on rotational inertia associated with selected components of the prime mover relative to rotational inertia associated with selected components of the drive train.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the step of coupling comprises coupling a torque converter of the drive train to a crankshaft of the prime mover using a planetary gear set.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the step of coupling comprises coupling a torque converter of the drive train to a crankshaft of the prime mover using a first gear secured to the crankshaft in meshing engagement with a second gear secured to the torque converter.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the step of coupling comprises coupling a generator of the drive train to a crankshaft of the prime mover using a planetary gear set.  
   
   
       15 . A system for managing inertial torque reaction in a vehicle having a powertrain including a prime mover and a drive train, the system comprising a device for coupling the prime mover to the drive train such that the drive train generates a rotational inertia reaction torque in a direction opposite rotational inertia reaction torque generated by the prime mover.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the device comprises: 
 a first gear secured for rotation with an output component of the prime mover; and    a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear and secured for rotation with an input component of the drive train such that the input component of the drive train rotates in an opposite direction relative to rotation of the output component of the prime mover.    
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the device comprises a planetary gear set.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the device creates a speed differential between rotational speed of an output component of the prime mover and an input component of the drive train.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the prime mover includes a crankshaft, the drive train includes a transmission having a torque converter, and wherein the device comprises a gear set coupling the crankshaft to the torque converter.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the prime mover includes a crankshaft, the drive train includes a transmission having a torque converter, and wherein the device reverses direction of rotation of the torque converter relative to direction of rotation of the crankshaft.  
   
   
       21 . A system for reducing vibration associated with operation of a vehicle, the system comprising: 
 a prime mover having an output component that rotates during operation;    a transmission having an input component; and    a device for coupling the output component of the prime mover to the input component of the transmission so that the input component rotates in a direction opposite to the output component of the prime mover.    
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the device comprises a plurality of gears.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the transmission comprises an automatic transmission transversely mounted in the vehicle and wherein the input component comprises a torque converter.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the transmission comprises an automatic transmission longitudinally mounted in the vehicle and wherein the input component comprises a torque converter.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 21  wherein device creates a speed differential between rotational speed of the output component of the prime mover and the input component of the transmission.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 25  wherein the speed differential is based on rotational inertia of the prime mover relative to rotational inertia of the transmission.