Arc Spring Retainer for Torque Converter Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current torque converter bypass clutch designs fail to adequately restrain arc springs, leading to increased hysteresis due to friction between the springs and the driven disk, which elevates the effective spring rate and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a disk assembly with arc springs and spring connectors that are radially retained by end caps and spring connectors, reducing friction between the arc springs and the driven disk by positioning the spring connectors within the gaps between the arc springs and connecting them to the clutch disk, thereby maintaining the designed spring rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If arc springs are arranged circumferentially in the spring cavity, then torque transmission is achieved, but friction between springs and driven disk increases hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
Spring connectors are introduced as intermediary components between the arc springs and the clutch disk. These connectors reduce direct contact and friction between the arc springs and the driven disk, thereby reducing hysteresis while maintaining torque transmission capability through the connected spring assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly is segmented into multiple arc springs arranged circumferentially, each connected to the clutch disk through individual spring connectors. This segmentation allows each spring to operate with reduced friction while collectively providing the required torque transmission, reducing overall hysteresis compared to a single continuous spring
2Loss of energy
If friction between arc springs and driven disk is reduced, then hysteresis decreases, but spring restraint mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring connectors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they connect adjacent arc springs together, provide restraint against the clutch disk, and reduce friction between the spring assembly and driven disk. By merging these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving the desired reduction in hysteresis
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces hysteresis, enhancing NVH performance and potentially allowing for a downsized or omitted pendulum damper, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the torque converter.
Implementation Method 1
The arc springs transmit torque from the clutch disk to the driven disk when the bypass clutch is engaged
Implementation Method 2
Spring connectors are each disposed in one of the gaps and include a first end received within a first corresponding one of the interiors... reducing friction between the arc springs and the driven disk
Data Source
AI summary
A disk assembly of a torque converter bypass clutch includes a disk defining a circular spring cavity and a plurality of arc springs circumferentially arranged in the cavity with gaps defined between adjacent ones of the arc springs. Each of the springs includes an end cap fitted on an end of the spring. Spring connectors are each disposed in one of the gaps and include an end received within a corresponding one of the end caps.