The dual phase twin synchronous drive has been developed for belt noise reduction. Two identical synchronous belts are arranged parallel side by side with one tooth staggered against other by the half pitch offset. The noise cancellation effect is achieved as one belt tooth engagement coincides with the other belt tooth dis-engagement. A center flange is used as a divider to prevent the belts contacting each other along the axial direction during their entrance and exit of the sprocket.
An overall 20 [dBA] noise reduction has been achieved with the dual phase twin belt drive compared to an equal width single belt counterpart. The vibration amplitude of the hub load is also reduced which is directly correlated to the structural borne noise. Comparing to the related dual phase helical tooth belt, the dual phase twin belt is superior in torque carrying capability; and is on par with noise mitigation.
The dual phase twin belt has been demonstrated with the automotive transfer case application by four wheel drive SUV, where a conventional metal chain, or Morse Chain, is commonly used. Besides the apparent mass saving, replacing the metal chain with a belt also benefits the environment, as the normally essential chemical lubrication is completely eliminated.