Rotational Damper Spring Layout for Backlash and Vibration Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Backlash in the circumferential direction occurs between the input-side and output-side rotating members in damper devices due to misalignment and difficulty in achieving plane contact between the ends of the springs and the side surfaces of these members, leading to unsupported sections and vibration issues.

Innovation Solution

The damper device incorporates an intermediate rotating member and elastic bodies arranged in a specific configuration, with the elastic bodies separated from one member and in contact with the other in alternating portions, ensuring stable contact and support across the circumference, reducing backlash between the input-side and output-side rotating members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ends of each spring are in contact with the side surface of the input-side rotating member and are separated from the side surface of the output-side rotating member, then the input-side rotating member is supported by the springs, but the output-side rotating member is not supported by the springs, causing backlash in the circumferential direction of the output-side rotating member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidbacklash
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact configuration is segmented into two distinct types: first corresponding portions where springs contact the input-side rotating member, and second corresponding portions where springs contact the output-side rotating member. This segmentation allows each rotating member to be supported at different locations, eliminating the need for perfect alignment while preventing backlash in both members simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the spring assembly are assigned different contact characteristics. The first corresponding portions are configured for contact with the input-side rotating member, while the second corresponding portions are configured for contact with the output-side rotating member. This local differentiation enables each member to receive appropriate support without requiring uniform contact across all springs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the ends of each spring are in contact with the side surface of the output-side rotating member and are separated from the side surface of the input-side rotating member, then the output-side rotating member is supported by the springs, but the input-side rotating member is not supported by the springs, causing backlash in the circumferential direction of the input-side rotating member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidbacklash
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact configuration is segmented into two distinct types: first corresponding portions where springs contact the input-side rotating member, and second corresponding portions where springs contact the output-side rotating member. This segmentation allows each rotating member to be supported at different locations, eliminating the need for perfect alignment while preventing backlash in both members simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the spring assembly are assigned different contact characteristics. The first corresponding portions are configured for contact with the input-side rotating member, while the second corresponding portions are configured for contact with the output-side rotating member. This local differentiation enables each member to receive appropriate support without requiring uniform contact across all springs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the ends of each spring are to be in plane contact with both the side surface of the input-side rotating member and the side surface of the output-side rotating member, then backlash can be avoided, but since the input-side rotating member and the output-side rotating member are different parts, the accuracy of alignment between the central axis of the input-side rotating member and the central axis of the output-side rotating member is low, making it difficult to achieve plane contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacklash reductionVSAvoidalignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact configuration is segmented into two distinct types: first corresponding portions where springs contact the input-side rotating member, and second corresponding portions where springs contact the output-side rotating member. This segmentation allows each rotating member to be supported at different locations, eliminating the need for perfect alignment while preventing backlash in both members simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring all springs to contact both rotating members (excessive action), the invention allows each spring to contact only one rotating member at a time (partial action). This relaxed requirement makes the system tolerant of alignment errors while still achieving the goal of eliminating backlash through the combined support of multiple springs at different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 effectively reduces backlash and stabilizes the positions of the rotating members, enhancing rotational balance and reducing vibration, even with non-planar surface contacts, by distributing torque transfer efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body... configured in such a manner that the elastic body is separated from the output-side rotating member and in contact with the input-side rotating member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4098906A1Damper device
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4098906A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4098906A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4098906A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A damper device (1) includes an input-side rotating member (22), an intermediate rotating member (27), an output-side rotating member (26), and an elastic body (28). The elastic body (28) is located in a clearance in a circumferential direction between each of a plurality of corresponding portions in which a hook portion of the input-side rotating member (22) and a hook portion of the output-side rotating member (26) face each other and the intermediate rotating member (27). A part of the corresponding portions is a first corresponding portion (1A, 1C) configured in such a manner that the elastic body (28) is separated from the output-side rotating member (26) and in contact with the input-side rotating member (22). The remainder of the corresponding portions is a second corresponding portion (1B, ID) configured in such a manner that the elastic body (28) is separated from the input-side rotating member (22) and is in contact with the output-side rotating member (26).