Torque Fluctuation Absorber With Curved Side-Plate Reinforcement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing torque fluctuation absorbing apparatuses have unstable sliding surfaces and insufficient axial strength in the limiter portion, leading to unstable characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes reinforcing portions on the side plates, which are axially curved and connected with a connecting member to enhance the axial strength, and an elastic member biases the pressure plate to improve the stability of the limiter portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lining support plate is attached to the flywheel by a bolt at a radially outward position, then the limiter portion can generate slippage to absorb torque fluctuations, but the axial strength of the side plates becomes insufficient and the sliding surfaces become unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of sliding surfacesVSAvoidaxial strength of side plates
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a flat side plate structure to a three-dimensional structure by adding axially curved reinforcing portions. These portions extend in the axial direction and curve toward the other side plate, creating a spatial reinforcement that increases axial strength without interfering with the radial slippage function of the limiter portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing portions are designed with axial curvature, bending toward the opposite side plate. This curvature provides structural reinforcement similar to arches in architecture, distributing axial loads more effectively and increasing the overall axial strength of the side plates while maintaining the necessary flexibility for torque absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Weight of moving object

If the side plates are made thinner to reduce weight, then the apparatus becomes lighter, but the axial strength and stability of the limiter portion deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of side platesVSAvoidaxial strength of side plates
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The side plates are segmented into functional zones: the central sliding surface area remains thin for weight reduction, while the reinforcing portions are added as separate structural elements. This segmentation allows the sliding surfaces to maintain their low-friction characteristics while the reinforcing portions provide the necessary axial strength support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side plate structure combines thin plate material with axially curved reinforcing portions, creating a composite structural system. This composite approach allows the main plate to remain lightweight while the reinforcing portions provide enhanced axial strength, achieving both weight reduction and strength improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhanced axial strength and stability of the side plates improve the performance of the limiter portion, ensuring consistent torque absorption and reduced slippage, thereby stabilizing the characteristics of the torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member that supports the second side plate and that biases the pressure plate toward the lining plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the lining plate is slidably sandwiched between the first side plate and the pressure plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the first side plate and the second side plate each include a reinforcing portion that includes a portion which is axially curved at a location which is radially outward relative to the connecting member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructural reinforcement through geometric curvature:

Data Source

PatentEP2527681B2Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 AISIN CORP
  • EP2527681B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2527681B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2527681B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus includes a first side plate (12), a second side plate (13), a lining plate (11) disposed between the side plates, a connecting member (18) that connects the side plates at a position that is radially inward relative to the lining plate, a pressure plate (14) disposed between the second side plate and the lining plate, and an elastic member (15) that biases the pressure plate toward the lining plate. The lining plate is slidably sandwiched between the first side plate and the pressure plate, and the first and second side plate each includes a reinforcing portion that includes a portion that is axially curved at a location that is radially outward relative to the connecting member.