摘要 |
<p>Embodiments of the present invention provide improved overrunning pulleys that overcome one or more of the deficiencies in the prior art as discussed herein. Embodiments of the present invention provide pulleys that are“springy”in the torque direction, yet have a lower effective spring constant (e.g., are less stiff) over a greater angular range. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys use a low cost and simple torque transfer geometry. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys afford significant overrun. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys are radially small in an overall envelope, for example, in order to allow an alternator to reach its highest possible rotational speed, and thus output, during engine idle. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys are more durable, as they offer the aforementioned dynamics in both directions (torque and counter-torque).</p> |