Starting Device Radial Coupling for Compact Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional starting devices with a centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber and lock-up clutch have an increased axial length due to the coupling member between the piston and pendulum mass body, limiting installation space and vibration damping effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A starting device design that couples the lock-up clutch piston and damper mechanism input element radially inward of the pendulum mass bodies, eliminating the need for a coupling member between the piston and pendulum mass body, thus reducing axial length and enhancing vibration damping by increasing the size and weight of the pendulum mass bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling member is disposed between the piston of the lock-up clutch and the pendulum mass body, then the pendulum mass body can be supported, but the axial length of the starting device is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport function of pendulum mass bodyVSAvoidaxial length of starting device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coupling member with either the piston or the input element of the damper mechanism, making them an integral part of one component rather than a separate piece. This eliminates the need for a distinct coupling member while maintaining the functional connection between the piston and the pendulum mass body support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piston or input element is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating component for the lock-up clutch and as the structural support for the pendulum mass body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate coupling member and reduces the overall axial length of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the coupling member is disposed on the radially outer side of the pendulum mass bodies, then the piston and input element can be coupled, but the installation space for the pendulum mass bodies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling function of piston and input elementVSAvoidinstallation space for pendulum mass bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the coupling arrangement from the radial direction to the axial direction. By coupling the piston and input element axially on the radially inner side of the pendulum mass bodies, the design frees up radial space, allowing the pendulum mass bodies to be installed with sufficient clearance while maintaining the coupling function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If the axial length is reduced by removing the coupling member, then the device size is reduced, but the vibration damping performance might be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial length of starting deviceVSAvoidvibration damping performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the coupling function into the piston or input element, the patent eliminates the need for a separate coupling member that would increase axial length. This integration maintains structural integrity and ensures that the pendulum mass body remains properly supported for effective vibration damping, while achieving a more compact overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces the overall device size while improving vibration damping performance by ensuring sufficient installation space and increasing the weight of the pendulum mass bodies, leading to enhanced vibration absorption capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

elastic bodies that transmit torque between the input element and the output element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a piston having a friction material that is in frictional engagement with the input member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber including a support member that rotates together with a rotary element of the damper mechanism, and a plurality of pendulum mass bodies that are swingably supported by the support member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS9989136B2Starting device

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 AISIN AW CO LTD

AI summary

A starting device where the lock-up clutch is a single-plate clutch including a piston having a friction material that is in frictional engagement with the input member; and the piston and the input element of the damper mechanism are coupled to each other on a radially inner side of the plurality of pendulum mass bodies so as to rotate together.