Torque Converter Lock-Up Damper Support for Stable Torsion Springs

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock-up devices for torque converters inadequately support torsion springs, leading to reduced strength and instability due to the need for cut-out parts, which compromises the support and increases the likelihood of torsion springs getting into gaps and hitting issues.

Innovation Solution

A separate support member is introduced to accommodate and stabilize the inner peripheral surface of the torsion springs, eliminating the need for cut-out parts in the input member and allowing for increased circumferential support length without reducing the strength of the supporting member, along with a stopper mechanism to prevent relative rotation between input and output members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a part of the plate on the input side is cut up to support the inner peripheral part of the torsion spring, then the torsion spring can be supported on the inner peripheral side, but the strength of the plate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stability of torsion springVSAvoidstrength of input member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into two separate components: the input member and the support member. The input member connects to the clutch part while the separate support member provides dedicated support for the torsion spring's inner peripheral surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the input member and the torsion spring. This support member specifically supports the inner peripheral surface of the torsion spring, allowing the input member to maintain its full strength without cut-out parts while still enabling adequate torsion spring support through the intermediate support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If a long cut-out part is formed in the circumferential direction to provide sufficient support on the inner peripheral side, then the support length for the torsion spring is increased, but the strength of the plate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport length in circumferential directionVSAvoidstrength of input member

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into two separate components: the input member and the support member. The input member connects to the clutch part while the separate support member provides dedicated support for the torsion spring's inner peripheral surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the input member and the torsion spring. This support member specifically supports the inner peripheral surface of the torsion spring, allowing the input member to maintain its full strength without cut-out parts while still enabling adequate torsion spring support through the intermediate support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the length of the part supporting the torsion spring in the circumferential direction is increased, then the torsion spring can be supported more reliably, but the torsion spring may get into the gap between support parts and cause hitting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport reliability of torsion springVSAvoidhitting and misalignment of torsion spring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the input member and the torsion spring. This support member specifically supports the inner peripheral surface of the torsion spring, allowing the input member to maintain its full strength without cut-out parts while still enabling adequate torsion spring support through the intermediate support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming cut-out parts in the input member to create support structures, the invention inverts the approach by adding a separate support member that provides support from the outside. This eliminates the gap problems associated with cut-out parts while maintaining adequate support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This configuration ensures stable and reliable support of torsion springs without compromising the strength of the supporting member, preventing torsion spring misalignment and enhancing operational stability by providing sufficient circumferential support and a stopper mechanism for regulating twist angles.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic members are accommodated in the input member, and the elastic members elastically connects the input member and the output member in a rotational direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The damper part transmits torque from the clutch part to the turbine, and absorbs and damps torsional vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsional vibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11346431B2Lock-up device

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 EXEDY CORP

AI summary

A lock-up device includes a clutch part and a damper part. The clutch part is disposed between a front cover and a turbine. The clutch part transmits or blocks torque. The damper part transmits torque from the clutch part to the turbine, and absorbs torsional vibration. The damper part includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of elastic members, and a support member. The input member is connected to the clutch part. The output member is rotatable relative to the input member and is connected to the turbine. The elastic members are accommodated in the input member, and elastically connect the input member and the output member in a rotational direction. The support member has a connecting part and a plurality of support parts. The connecting part is connected to the input member. The plurality of support parts support inner peripheral surfaces of the plurality of elastic members.