Torque Ripple Compensating Device

Abstract

A torque ripple compensating device for an internal combustion engine is provided. The torque ripple compensating device comprises a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is in driving engagement with an output of the internal combustion engine. The second member is in driving engagement with the first member. The third member is in driving engagement with the second member. An angular deviation between the first member and the third member causes a cyclical acceleration of the third member. The cyclical acceleration of the third member applies a torque to the output of the internal combustion engine through the first member. The torque ripple compensating device is able to be passively or dynamically adapted for both an amplitude and a phase of a torque ripple while minimizing an interference with an operation of the internal combustion engine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A torque ripple compensating device for an internal combustion engine, the torque ripple compensating device comprising:
 a first member in driving engagement with an output of the internal combustion engine;   a second member in driving engagement with the first member; and   a third member in driving engagement with the second member,   wherein an angular deviation between the first member and the third member causes a cyclical acceleration of the third member, the cyclical acceleration of the third member applying a torque to the output of the internal combustion engine through the first member, and   wherein the first member, the second member, and the third member form a Cardan joint assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The torque ripple compensating device of  claim 1 , wherein the first member is a driving yoke. 
     
     
         3 . The torque ripple compensating device of  claim 1 , wherein the angular deviation between the first member and the third member is configurable using an adjustment device. 
     
     
         4 . The torque ripple compensating device of  claim 3 , wherein the adjustment device is a biasing member. 
     
     
         5 . The torque ripple compensating device of  claim 3 , wherein the adjustment device is an actuator. 
     
     
         6 . The torque ripple compensating device of  claim 1 , wherein the third member is a driven yoke. 
     
     
         7 . The torque ripple compensating device of  claim 1 , wherein the first member is substantially U-shaped. 
     
     
         8 . The torque ripple compensating device of  claim 1 , wherein the second member is a cross-shaft with a perforation therethrough.