Damper Torque Limiter Layout to Block Rusty Water Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rusty water produced by water attachment in damper devices can cause the torque limiter unit to malfunction by firmly fixing the friction disc and cover plate, preventing the intended actuation.

Innovation Solution

The damper device design includes a first input plate with an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the first side plate, positioning the outer peripheral end of the first input plate on the first side of the inner peripheral end of the first side plate, preventing rusty water from transferring to the space between the first and second side plates and inhibiting it from reaching the friction material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water attachment occurs on the power source-side member, then rusty water is produced, but the rusty water transfers to the friction material causing the torque limiter unit to malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque limiter unit operationVSAvoidrusty water transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first input plate serves as an intermediary barrier between the water attachment area and the friction material. By positioning its outer peripheral end on the first side of the first side plate's inner peripheral end with a greater outer diameter than the inner diameter of the first side plate, it creates a physical obstruction that prevents rusty water from reaching the friction material, thus protecting the torque limiter unit's reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution addresses the water transfer problem by utilizing the axial dimension. The first input plate extends axially beyond the first side plate on the first side, creating an overlapping region that blocks the radial path of rusty water. This dimensional approach transforms a radial flow problem into an axial barrier solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the outer peripheral end of the first input plate is positioned on the first side of the inner peripheral end of the first side plate, then rusty water is blocked, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of rusty water transferVSAvoidinput plate configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first input plate performs multiple functions: it serves as a structural component for transmitting torque, a barrier against rusty water, and a support element for the elastic member. By making the first input plate multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable protection against water transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12422002B2Damper device

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 EXEDY CORP

AI summary

A damper device includes a damper unit and a torque limiter unit. The damper unit includes a first input plate, a second input plate, a fastening portion fastening the first and second input plates, an output plate, and an elastic member elastically connecting the output plate and the first and second input plates. The torque limiter unit includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a friction plate, and a first friction material disposed between the friction plate and the first side plate. The first input plate includes an outer peripheral end disposed on a first side of an inner peripheral end of the first side plate in an axial direction. The first input plate has an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the first side plate. The fastening portion is disposed on the first side of the first side plate in the axial direction.