Transmission Clutch Damper Axial Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch damper assemblies for automatic transmissions are typically located outside the transmission, which limits their effectiveness in noise and vibration isolation, as they are not positioned close enough to the clutch elements and torque output elements within the transmission.
Innovation Solution
A transmission clutch damper assembly with an outer carrier, spring retainer plates, and a hub, where springs are retained by axial flanges and spring stops, and a drive ring connects the carrier to the hub, allowing for spring damping in both directions and direct torque transfer, with snap rings for assembly and a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the damper assembly is located outside the transmission within the torque converter, then the structure is simpler and easier to access, but the noise and vibration isolation effectiveness is reduced due to greater distance from clutch elements
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly is relocated from the radial dimension (outside transmission in torque converter) to the axial dimension (inside transmission near input shaft), changing the spatial arrangement to reduce distance to clutch elements while maintaining manufacturability through modular design
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the damper assembly is positioned closer to clutch elements within the transmission, then noise and vibration isolation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly is merged with the clutch assembly by positioning it adjacent to the clutch plates and connecting through the input shaft, allowing shared structural elements and reducing overall device complexity despite improved noise isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The input shaft serves multiple functions: it transmits torque from the clutch plates and simultaneously connects the damper assembly, making the damper structure more efficient without adding separate connection mechanisms
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 configuration enhances noise and vibration reduction while maintaining effective torque transfer by positioning the damper closer to the clutch elements and torque output, providing improved damping forces within a compact space.
Implementation Method 1
At least one spring is retained on the at least one spring retainer plate by the axial flange and contact between the first and second spring ends and the spring stops
Implementation Method 2
In order to improve noise and vibration isolation, it would be desirable to provide a damper assembly which can be arranged within the drive line between the engine and automatic transmission
Implementation Method 3
upon rotation of the outer carrier in a first direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon by the first spring end, and upon rotation of the outer carrier in a second direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon by the second spring end
Implementation Method 4
A spline located on the hub that is adapted to drivingly engage corresponding splines on a transmission drive shaft
Implementation Method 5
The drive fingers are adapted to contact the castles dependent upon a relative rotational position of the hub and the outer carrier in each of the first and second directions, establishing a direct drive connection between the outer carrier and the hub
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission clutch damper assembly having an outer carrier with at least one spring retainer plate located therein. At least one spring is retained by stops in the spring retainer plate. A hub having radially outwardly extending castles is provided. Upon rotation of the outer carrier in a first direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon by a first spring end, and upon rotation of the outer carrier in a second direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon a second spring end. Two of the spring retainer plates can be provided with a drive ring therebetween adapted to contact the castles dependent upon a relative rotational position of the hub and the outer carrier, establishing a direct drive connection.