Torque Converter Damper Assembly with Radially Varying Intermediate Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current torque converters with lock-up clutches experience efficiency loss and refinement degradation due to wear-induced changes in tolerances and increased rotational mass, particularly when transitioning between lock-up and non-lock-up modes, which complicates vibration isolation and stiffness requirements.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter damper assembly featuring a driven plate, an annular intermediate plate with radially varying surface radii, and elastic drive elements interposed between the plates to allow relative rotational movement, reducing rotational mass and stiffness while maintaining vibration isolation through strategically designed cavities and beveled edges to accommodate larger elastic drive elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the intermediate plate thickness is increased to carry centrifugal loads at high rotational speeds, then the strength and stiffness are improved, but the rotational mass increases which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate plate employs varying thickness with different radial regions: a first thickness in a first radial region to carry centrifugal loads, and a second thickness in a second radial region for stiffness. This local differentiation allows the plate to have sufficient strength where needed while minimizing overall rotational mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate plate utilizes a multi-dimensional approach by incorporating both radial and axial thickness variations. The plate has a first thickness in the radial direction and a second thickness in the axial direction, creating a three-dimensional structural solution that optimizes strength-to-mass ratio.
2Stability of the object's composition
If elastic damping members are added to reduce stiffness and improve vibration isolation, then vibration damping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate plate integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, carries centrifugal loads, provides vibration damping through integrated damping material, and maintains radial clearance. This merging reduces assembly complexity while achieving vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate plate combines different materials with complementary properties: a metallic base material for structural strength and centrifugal load carrying, and an elastomeric damping material for vibration isolation. This composite approach achieves both strength and damping without increasing 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 solution enhances the intermediate plate's ability to carry centrifugal loads without increasing thickness, maintaining efficiency and refinement by allowing relative rotational movement and damping torsional vibrations, thus addressing the challenges of wear-induced inefficiencies and mass-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
elastic drive elements are interposed between the driven plate tabs and the intermediate plate tabs to permit relative rotational movement between the driven plate and the intermediate plate
Implementation Method 2
The elastic drive elements reside in a series of circumferential cavities defined, in part, by a substantially annular radially inwardly facing intermediate plate surface of the base wall of the intermediate plate
Implementation Method 3
The intermediate plate, which may be in contact with the elastic damping members at the outer surfaces of those damping members, carries the inertia and centrifugal force due to high rotational speeds of operation
Implementation Method 4
A first region of the substantially annular radially inwardly facing intermediate plate surface in closest proximity to the elastic drive elements has a first radius R1. A second region of the substantially annular radially inwardly facing intermediate plate surface axially interposed between the first region and the first side wall has a second radius R2 that is greater than the first radius R1.
Data Source
AI summary
A damper assembly includes a driven plate, an intermediate plate, and elastic drive elements. The intermediate plate includes a radially outer base wall and opposite side walls. The elastic drive elements are interposed, between tabs of the driven plate and tabs of the intermediate plate to permit relative rotational movement therebetween. The elastic drive elements reside in cavities defined, in part, by a substantially annular radially inwardly facing surface of the intermediate plate. A first region of the radially inwardly facing surface in closest proximity to the elastic drive elements has a first radius. A second region of the radially inwardly facing surface axially interposed between the first region and the first side wall has a second radius that is greater than the first radius.