Torque Converter Lock-Up Device Damper Spring Guide Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock-up devices in torque converters experience reduced attenuation performance of engine torque variation due to increased hysteresis torque caused by friction between damper springs and the clutch piston during radial movement.
Innovation Solution
A lock-up device design featuring a disk-shaped clutch piston with a coiled damper spring and a connecting member that includes damper pressing portions to push the damper spring's center toward an intermediate member, preventing radial displacement and deformation, and an intermediate member with a projecting part to regulate damper spring movement, thereby reducing hysteresis torque and improving attenuation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If damper springs are connected by an intermediate supporter to regulate radial movement, then structural stability is improved, but hysteresis torque increases due to friction between damper springs and piston member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide plate as an intermediary component between the damper springs and the piston member. The guide plate's groove structure guides the damper springs, preventing direct contact with the piston member while maintaining structural stability. This mediator eliminates friction-based hysteresis torque without compromising the regulatory function of the intermediate supporter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If damper springs move radially outward during operation, then flexibility is improved, but friction with piston member increases causing hysteresis torque
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate serves as a mediator that allows radial movement of damper springs while preventing contact with the piston member. The groove in the guide plate provides a controlled path for movement, maintaining flexibility while eliminating friction-based energy loss.
3Loss of energy
If damper springs are constrained to prevent radial movement, then hysteresis torque is reduced, but attenuation performance of torque variation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the constraint conditions for different parts of the damper spring system. The guide plate constrains radial movement at specific locations (where friction would occur) while allowing controlled movement in other directions (for attenuation function). This localized differentiation maintains both low hysteresis torque and good attenuation performance.
4Reliability
If low spring constant damper springs are used to improve attenuation performance, then torque variation attenuation is enhanced, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate acts as a structural mediator that provides support and guidance for low spring constant damper springs. This intermediary structure allows the use of softer springs for better attenuation while the guide plate maintains structural integrity by preventing uncontrolled movement and contact with the piston member.
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 design effectively prevents hysteresis torque generation and enhances engine torque variation attenuation, particularly using low spring constant damper springs, while maintaining structural integrity and accuracy in low rotational ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a coiled damper spring provided to the clutch piston along a circumferential direction... use of the damper spring with low spring constant is effective... The lock-up device according to the present invention can effectively prevent deformation of the damper spring with low spring constant
Implementation Method 2
a pair of damper pressing portions for sandwiching the damper spring from both ends of the damper spring to push the damper spring so that a center part of the damper spring projects toward an inner side of the clutch piston in a radial direction
Implementation Method 3
an intermediate member with a projecting part formed to project toward an outer side of the clutch piston in the radial direction than a side surface of the inner side of the clutch piston in the same radial direction in the center part of the damper spring
Implementation Method 4
A torque converter has been mainly provided between an engine and a transmission in a self-propelled vehicle... A torque converter is a mechanical device that amplifies a driving force from an engine to transmit to an output axis by circulation of hydraulic oil between a pump impeller and a turbine runner
Implementation Method 5
a clutch piston connected to a turbine runner contacts with or moves away from a torque converter cover that is rotationally driven together with a pump impeller. With contact of the clutch piston to the torque converter cover, the pump impeller and the turbine runner are connected, and a driving force of the pump impeller side is directly transmitted to the turbine runner side
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter includes a lock-up device that directly connects a torque converter cover that rotates together with a pump impeller to a turbine runner connected to an output axis. The lock-up device includes a damper spring in a clutch piston that contacts with or moves away from the torque converter cover. In addition, an intermediate member is provided inside the damper spring. A center part of the damper spring is projected toward the inner side of the clutch piston in the radial direction by damper pressing portions and fixed to both ends of the damper spring and a connecting member and pushed onto the projecting part of the intermediate member.