Parametric Spring Torque Converter Clutch Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current torque converter/clutch and damper disc designs using straight, uniform diameter compression springs suffer from premature failure due to high applied stresses, leading to increased wear and reduced fatigue life, necessitating advanced materials and processing to improve durability.
Innovation Solution
A parametric spring system with adjustable longitudinal length, diameter, coil spacing, and material selection, allowing for customized configurations to distribute stress evenly across its length, reducing shear and principal stresses and enhancing fatigue life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight, uniform diameter compression springs are used in TCC/damper disc designs, then the spring structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the spring is subjected to high applied stresses causing premature failure and reduced fatigue life
Solution Approach 1:
The spring transitions from uniform diameter to variable diameter along its length, with different sections having different diameters to optimize stress distribution. The larger diameter sections are positioned where higher stresses occur, reducing stress concentrations and improving fatigue life while maintaining manufacturability through progressive coil forming processes
Solution Approach 2:
The spring geometry parameters (diameter, coil spacing) are varied along the length of the spring to match the stress distribution pattern. By changing the diameter parameter from constant to variable, the spring achieves lower peak stresses and improved fatigue performance without requiring advanced materials or complex manufacturing
2Force
If larger radius spring pockets are used to achieve higher torque capacity, then the effective radius and torque capacity increase, but the spring is subjected to even higher applied stresses causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The variable diameter spring allows different sections to have different stiffness characteristics. The larger diameter sections are positioned to engage with the larger radius spring pocket, providing the necessary torque capacity, while the diameter transitions are designed to distribute stresses evenly, preventing premature failure at any single location
Solution Approach 2:
By varying the diameter parameter along the spring length, the spring achieves a gradient of stiffness that matches the torque transmission requirements. The diameter is increased in regions experiencing higher radial forces from the larger radius pocket, while maintaining adequate strength throughout the entire spring structure
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 parametric spring system effectively dissipates stresses evenly, increasing fatigue life and reducing wear, while maintaining effective torque absorption and vibration dampening in clutch and damper applications.
Implementation Method 1
distribute stress evenly across its length, reducing shear and principal stresses
Implementation Method 2
The parametric spring system effectively dissipates stresses evenly, increasing fatigue life and reducing wear
Implementation Method 3
maintaining effective torque absorption and vibration dampening in clutch and damper applications
Data Source
AI summary
An improved torque converter damper disc and/or clutch that includes the use of a parametric spring system. The parametric spring is configured to address critical inflection and pinch points along the spring longitudinal length. These critical points are areas of higher applied stress due to torsional stress and bending stress, the latter of which mainly attributed to centrifugal loading.