Three-stage hysteresis torque converter damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters lack sufficient hysteresis between the turbine and the output hub, leading to undesirable vibrations and clutch shudder during operation.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design incorporating a damper assembly with first and second intermediate flange plates, a flange connected to the output hub, and resilient elements that create frictional contacts between the components, allowing for relative rotation and damping of vibrations between the output hub and the turbine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single resilient element is used to create hysteresis in the damper assembly, then frictional contact is created between components, but the hysteresis is limited to a single stage and insufficient vibration damping is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The single resilient element is divided into three separate resilient elements (first, second, and third resilient elements), each creating frictional contact at different stages of the damper assembly wind-up. This segmentation allows hysteresis to be maintained across multiple stages, significantly improving vibration damping effectiveness while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the hysteresis mechanism from a single-stage frictional contact to a multi-stage frictional contact system by adding resilient elements at different positions along the damper assembly. This creates additional dimensions of frictional engagement, transforming the hysteresis from a limited single-point contact to a distributed multi-point contact system that operates across the entire wind-up range
2Reliability
If multiple resilient elements are added to create multi-stage hysteresis, then vibration damping is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three resilient elements are integrated into a unified damper assembly structure that shares common components such as the housing, mounting brackets, and friction surfaces. This merging approach allows multiple hysteresis-generating elements to work together within a single coordinated system, improving operational stability while preventing excessive complexity through shared structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
Each resilient element serves multiple functions: providing frictional contact for hysteresis, maintaining component engagement, and contributing to overall damper assembly stiffness. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 design effectively attenuates oscillations and vibrations at the output hub by creating additional hysteresis surfaces, reducing clutch shudder and enhancing operational stability without requiring modifications to the standard configuration.
Implementation Method 1
An axial force applied by the first resilient element creates a first area of frictional contact between first and second components of the torque converter damper. Relative rotation of the first and second components at the first area of frictional contact attenuates vibration at the output hub.
Implementation Method 2
The present disclosure relates to a torque converter with improved hysteresis among the components of the torque converter, in particular, hysteresis between a turbine and an output hub of the torque converter.
Implementation Method 3
a first plurality of springs engaged with the at least one first side plate and with the first and second intermediate flange plates; a second plurality of springs engaged with the first and second intermediate flange plates and with the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter damper, including: an output hub; a first side plate arranged for rotational connection to a lock-up clutch and a turbine of the torque converter. Includes first and second intermediate flange plates; a flange connected to the output hub; springs engaged with the first side plate and the intermediate flange plates; springs engaged with the intermediate flange plates and with the flange; and a resilient element creating frictional contact between first and second components of the torque converter damper. Relative rotation of the first and second components at the frictional contact attenuates vibration at the output hub. The first and second components are rotatable with respect to each other. Rotation of the first component is fixed to rotation of the hub. Rotation of the second component is arranged to be fixed to rotation of the turbine. The hub is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the turbine.