Rotational Dampener With Solid Polymer Tensile Member for High Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotational dampeners are unsuitable for high-torque applications, particularly in extreme temperatures, due to issues such as increased mass, size, noise, and performance degradation, and fail to provide effective dampening across both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Innovation Solution

A rotational dampener comprising a core, housing elements, and a tensile member made of solid silicon polymer, connected via bosses and snap or press-fit assemblies, which allows for compact, low-mass operation and effective dampening across both directions, using plastic deformation for energy loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional silicone dampeners are used, then low torque applications are satisfied, but high torque applications experience performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedampening performanceVSAvoidtorque capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional silicone to solid silicon polymer, which fundamentally alters the torque capacity and dampening characteristics. This material parameter change enables the dampener to handle high torque applications while maintaining reliable dampening performance across both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If high torque dampening is achieved, then torque capacity increases, but mass and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque capacityVSAvoiddampener mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs solid silicon polymer as a specialized material that provides high torque capacity without the mass penalty typically associated with conventional high-torque dampening solutions. This material enables high torque resistance in a compact, low-mass configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If conventional dampeners are used, then simple structure is maintained, but extreme temperature performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidextreme temperature performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter to solid silicon polymer, which possesses inherent thermal stability that allows the dampener to maintain its structural simplicity while performing reliably in extreme temperature environments. The material's properties enable temperature resistance without adding structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If unidirectional dampening is designed, then structural simplicity is maintained, but bidirectional operation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidbidirectional operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the dampener with universal functionality to operate effectively in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The solid silicon polymer material and symmetrical design enable the single structure to provide consistent dampening performance regardless of rotation direction, eliminating the need for separate unidirectional dampeners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides high-torque dampening with reduced mass and size, maintaining performance across temperature extremes and minimizing noise, while ensuring consistent operation in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations.

Implementation Method 1

The tensile member is composed of a solid silicon polymer... using plastic deformation for energy loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

maintaining performance across temperature extremes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Data Source

PatentUS20250243921A1Rotational Dampener

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a rotational spring dampener having a core, a first housing element, a second housing element, and a tensile member. The core includes an opening therethrough and a first plurality of bosses. The first housing element comprising a second plurality of bosses, while the second housing element comprising a third plurality of bosses. The first housing element and the second housing element form a housing assembly having a cavity therein, where the core is configured to pivot relative to the housing assembly. The tensile member is positioned within the cavity to dampen movement of the core relative to the housing assembly. The tensile member is connected to the core via the first plurality of bosses and to the first housing element via the second plurality of bosses. The tensile member is or comprises a solid silicon polymer. Each of the second plurality of bosses can define a cavity configured to receive one of a third plurality of bosses formed on the second housing element to define a press-fit assembly. The housing assembly can include an alignment groove to serve as a poka-yoke. The first housing element and the second housing element can be coupled to one another to form the housing assembly via one or more snap assemblies.