Torque Converter Lock-up Damper Axial Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lock-up devices of the multi-plate type, the piston and damper mechanism are disposed away from each other, making it difficult to support and restrict the intermediate member, resulting in increased axial space and reduced ability to absorb and attenuate torsional vibrations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lock-up device with a damper mechanism that includes an input-side member, an output-side member, elastic members, an intermediate member, and a restriction member, where the restriction member restricts the intermediate member's movement in both radial and axial directions, allowing for a larger damper torsional angle and lower stiffness, thereby reducing the axial space occupied by the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the piston and damper mechanism are disposed away from each other in a multi-plate lock-up device, then the clutch capacity is increased, but the axial space required for supporting and restricting the intermediate member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate member is nested within the damper mechanism structure, specifically positioned within the space between the input-side member and output-side member. The restriction member is integrated into the input-side member, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall axial space while maintaining clutch capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member is designed to be rotatable relative to the input-side and output-side members, introducing rotational freedom in a different dimension rather than requiring additional axial space for linear movement restrictions.
2Reliability
If the intermediate member is allowed to move freely in axial and radial directions, then the damper mechanism can absorb more torsional vibration, but the actuation becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member provides selective restriction: it constrains the intermediate member's axial and radial positions to maintain stability, while allowing rotational movement to preserve torsional vibration absorption capability. This localized quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and vibration damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction member acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the intermediate member and the input-side member, providing controlled guidance that maintains actuation stability while permitting the intermediate member to perform its vibration absorption function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a restriction mechanism is added to support and restrict the intermediate member, then actuation stability is improved, but the axial space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member is merged with the input-side member structure, integrating the restriction function into an existing component rather than adding a separate independent mechanism. This reduces overall device complexity while achieving the desired actuation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction member serves multiple functions: it restricts axial movement, restricts radial movement, and provides structural support for the intermediate member, all within a single integrated component that minimizes added complexity.
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
The solution effectively reduces the axial space required by the lock-up device while maintaining the ability to absorb and attenuate torsional vibrations, stabilizing actuation and improving the device's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic members elastically coupling the input-side member and the output-side member in a rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of torsion springs supported by the drive plate; and a driven plate elastically coupled to the piston by the plural torsion springs in the rotational direction
Data Source
AI summary
The lock-up device includes: a clutch part disposed between a front cover and a turbine; and a damper mechanism for transmitting torque from the clutch part to the turbine and for absorbing and attenuating a torsional vibration. The damper mechanism includes: an input plate into which torque is inputted from the clutch part; an output plate connected to the turbine; a plurality of torsion springs; an intermediate member; and a restriction member. The intermediate member is rotatable relatively to the input plate and the output plate, and causes two torsion springs to act in series. The restriction member is mounted to the input plate, and restricts the intermediate member from moving in both of an axial direction and a radial direction.