Development of an Isolated Timing Chain Guide System Utilizing Indirect Force Measurement Techniques

This paper outlines the development process of a vibration isolation system for the timing chain guides of an internal combustion engine.

It was determined through testing that the timing chain guides are a significant path by which the chain/sprocket impacts are transmitted to other powertrain components. These components radiate the energy as chain mesh order narrow band sound as well as wide band energy. It was found that isolation of the chain guides produced a significant reduction in radiated sound levels, reduced mesh frequency amplitudes, and improved sound quality.

The development process utilized indirect force measurement techniques for simulation of the chain loading and FEA prediction of the resulting chain guide forces and displacements.

The design of the isolation system involved material selection based on dynamic properties, frequency and temperature ranges, the operating environment, FEA geometry optimization, and durability testing.