Resin Retainer Torsional Damper for Low-Noise Spring Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torsional vibration reducing apparatuses require multiple metal components that occupy significant space, increasing costs and generating noise due to direct metal-to-metal contact during switching between low-rigidity and high-rigidity coil springs.
Innovation Solution
A torsional vibration reducing apparatus using resin-made retainers and coil springs with self-contained supporting structures, minimizing parts and reducing noise by allowing resin-to-resin contact during switching, and incorporating low-rigidity and high-rigidity coil springs in series with an intermediate member for smooth transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal hub and supporting plate are used to control connection between coil springs, then the switching between series connection and single operation is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hub and supporting plate into a single integrated retainer component made of resin. This retainer simultaneously performs the functions of controlling the low-rigidity coil spring and supporting the high-rigidity coil spring, eliminating the need for separate metal components and reducing the overall number of parts and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component that mediates the switching between series connection and single operation of the coil springs. By using a resin-made retainer with specifically designed engagement structures, it controls the connection state of the low-rigidity coil spring while supporting the high-rigidity coil spring, achieving reliable switching with fewer parts.
2Reliability
If metal hub and supporting plate are used to control connection between coil springs, then the switching mechanism is established, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple metal components (hub and supporting plate) into a single resin retainer, significantly reducing the space occupied by the switching control mechanism. The integrated design eliminates gaps and overlaps between separate components, allowing the entire switching control system to occupy minimal space within the damper device.
3Reliability
If metal-to-metal contact is used for switching between coil springs, then the connection switching is achieved, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metal-to-metal contact mechanism with a resin-to-metal contact mechanism. The resin-made retainer contacts the metal coil springs during switching, which significantly reduces noise generation compared to direct metal-to-metal contact, while still achieving reliable connection switching through the designed engagement structures.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If low-rigidity and high-rigidity coil springs are connected in series, then noise during idling is reduced, but the torsional rigidity becomes too low when rated torque is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the system to transition between two rigidity states based on the applied torque. During idling with low torque, the low-rigidity and high-rigidity coil springs are connected in series through the retainer, providing noise reduction. When rated torque is applied, the retainer disables the low-rigidity coil spring, leaving only the high-rigidity coil spring to provide sufficient torsional rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the effective rigidity parameter of the elastic body by switching between series connection and single operation of the coil springs. The retainer controls this parameter change by engaging or disengaging the low-rigidity coil spring based on the torque conditions, allowing the system to adapt its rigidity characteristics to different operating conditions.
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
Significantly reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, lowers costs, and minimizes noise by eliminating direct metal contact, enhancing compatibility and efficiency in torsional vibration reduction.
Implementation Method 1
reduces a rotational fluctuation based on an elastic deformation of the elastic body in the circumferential direction
Implementation Method 2
the low-rigidity coil spring and the high-rigidity coil spring work in series
Implementation Method 3
the high-rigidity coil spring is independently worked to the torsional torque, and the increasing of the torsional torque to the torsional angle becomes great
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, in a rotational fluctuation reducing apparatus, a serial connection formed, via an intermediate retainer 36, between a low-rigidity first coil spring 32 and a high-rigidity second coil spring 34 is disposed between the first retainer 16 and the second retainer 18 which form a pair, which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and which are made of resin material. The first coil spring 32 and the intermediate retainer 36 are disposed in a bottomed recess 40 of the first retainer 16. During deformation, the intermediate retainer 36 is caused to slide at a radially outer portion of the bottomed recess 40 of the first retainer 16. The second coil spring 34 is contained in a bottomed recess 42 of the second retainer 18. Damping control is performed, in a low-torque range, under low torsional rigidity resulting from the serial connection of the first coil spring 32 and the second coil spring 34, and is performed, in a normal torque range, under high torsional rigidity provided solely by the second coil spring 34. The present invention achieves reduction in abnormal noise due to switching taking place through resin-metal contact and low noise during the idling.