Spring Retainer Plate Planar Rivet Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torsional vibration dampers face issues with the strength and durability of rivet connections due to the curved surface of the spring retainer plate, which interferes with the uniform contact between rivet heads and the flange tabs, leading to radial stack-up problems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates planar rivet tabs on the spring retainer plate that are orthogonal to the axis of rotation, allowing for optimal rivet head contact and avoiding interference with the springs, thereby enhancing the rivet connection strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rivets are placed on the curved outermost portion of the spring retainer plate, then the rivets can be positioned near the spring openings, but the contact between rivet heads and the curved surface is non-uniform, degrading connection strength and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating planar rivet tabs at specific locations on the spring retainer plate, while the rest of the plate maintains its curved geometry for spring retention. These localized planar regions provide optimal contact surfaces for rivet heads, resolving the contradiction between proximity to spring openings and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring retainer plate is segmented into distinct functional regions: curved portions for spring engagement and planar rivet tabs for rivet connections. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, with rivet tabs providing flat contact surfaces while curved portions maintain spring retention capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the diameter of sheet metal rivet holes is increased to get more clearance between the flange stop radius and rivet flat surfaces, then radial stack-up issues are avoided, but the structural integrity and strength of the rivet connection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the clearance issue by transitioning from a radial clearance approach to an axial clearance approach. Planar rivet tabs extend axially from the curved retainer plate, providing clearance in the axial dimension rather than requiring increased hole diameter in the radial dimension. This maintains structural integrity while avoiding radial stack-up problems.
3Reliability
If rivets are used to non-rotatably connect the spring retainer plate and intermediate plate, then the connection is strong and durable, but the rivet heads contact the curved surface which degrades the connection quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized planar regions (rivet tabs) specifically at rivet contact points, while the rest of the spring retainer plate maintains its curved geometry. This local quality change ensures uniform contact between rivet heads and the retainer plate, improving manufacturing precision and connection reliability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A torsional vibration damper, including: an axis of rotation; a spring retainer plate including a plurality of openings passing through and wholly surrounded by material forming the spring retainer plate and a plurality of rivet tabs, each rivet tab including a respective portion aligned with a respective opening from the plurality of openings so that a line in an axial direction, parallel to the axis of rotation, passes through the respective portion and the respective opening; an intermediate plate; a plurality of rivets passing through the plurality of rivet tabs and connecting the intermediate plate to the spring retainer plate; and a plurality of springs engaged with the spring retainer plate.