Torque Converter Shock Absorber With Driven-Plate Mechanical Stop

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current shock absorbers for torque converters do not prevent exterior springs from reaching their solid length, which can lead to damage, and lack a simplified manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorber with a mechanical stop is designed, featuring a driven plate with a mechanical stop that contacts the drive plate to prevent exterior springs from compressing to their solid length, incorporating a simplified manufacturing process by using existing stamping processes to integrate the stop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shock absorber uses conventional spring configuration without mechanical stop, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the exterior springs can reach solid length and break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring durabilityVSAvoidshock absorber structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical stop is integrated into the driven plate as a single piece component, merging the stop function with the existing plate structure. This eliminates the need for separate stop components while still providing the protective function against spring over-compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical stop is pre-positioned on the driven plate to limit the compression travel of the exterior springs before they can reach their solid length. This preliminary protective action prevents spring breakage by establishing a mechanical boundary condition during the design phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the shock absorber includes additional elements to prevent spring solid length, then spring durability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Prevents exterior springs from reaching their solid length, enhancing durability and simplifying the manufacturing process without requiring additional external elements.

Implementation Method 1

Vibration is an intrinsic consequence of internal combustion engine operation. The ignition in gasoline or diesel and the inertia force on the engine pistons produce a fluctuating driving force on the crankshaft.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

at least one exterior spring including a first end that is connected to the drive plate, and a second end that is connected to a driven plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4382765A1Shock absorber with mechanical stop for torque converter

Publication Date: 2024.06.12 VALEO KAPEC CO LTD

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shock absorber with mechanical stop for torque converter that has a simplified manufacturing process and also prevents the exterior springs from reaching the solid length. To achieve the foregoing, a shock absorber with mechanical buffer stop is implemented which comprises a drive plate; at least one exterior spring; and a driven plate, wherein the driven plate additionally comprises at least one mechanical stop which is configured to make contact with the drive plate when the drive plate compresses each exterior spring, and each mechanical stop is located such that it prevents each exterior spring from reaching a solid-length condition.