Torque Converter Damper Assembly Automated Spring Preloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converter damper assemblies require manual preloading of springs, which is inefficient and difficult to assemble without operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly for a torque converter damper assembly that uses carrier pins to compress springs into a preloaded orientation within a spring retainer, with tabs holding the springs in place after carrier pins are removed, allowing for automated assembly and easy integration with a torque converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual preloading of springs is used, then the springs can be preloaded into the correct orientation, but the assembly process becomes inefficient and difficult without operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
Carrier pins are introduced as intermediary elements to facilitate spring preloading. The carrier pins insert through elongated slots in the spring retainer and engage with the springs, enabling automated compression and preloading of the springs without requiring manual operator intervention. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between automated assembly equipment and the spring preloading requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated slots in the spring retainer are designed to allow carrier pins to move freely during assembly, enabling the springs to be compressed and preloaded before final positioning. The carrier pins perform the preloading action in advance, and then the retainer is secured with cover plates that lock the springs in their preloaded state, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment.
2Productivity
If carrier pins are used to compress springs, then automated assembly is enabled, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier pins serve multiple functions: they act as compression tools to preload the springs, serve as positioning elements during assembly, and can be easily removed after preloading is complete. The elongated slots in the spring retainer also serve dual purposes: guiding the carrier pins during assembly and allowing their removal after preloading. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier pins are designed as temporary assembly aids that are inserted, perform their preloading function, and then removed after assembly is complete. They are not permanent parts of the final damper assembly, which simplifies the final structure while enabling automated assembly during the manufacturing process.
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
Enables efficient and automated assembly of the damper assembly, reducing manual labor and facilitating easier integration with the torque converter components, enhancing the assembly process and performance.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the springs via the carrier pins into a preloaded orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a damper assembly is provided. The method includes providing springs into an interior space of a spring retainer such that the springs circumferentially contact carrier pins; compressing the springs via the carrier pins into a preloaded orientation; providing tabs in the interior space of the spring retainer such that each of the tabs is between two of the carrier pins; and removing the carrier pins such that the tabs hold the springs in the preloaded orientation. A damper assembly and a torque converter are also provided.