Torque Converter Damper With Integrated Centrifugal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque fluctuation inhibiting devices require a large number of components, which complicates their design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A torque fluctuation inhibiting device comprising an input member with a pair of input plates, an elastic member, a mass body, and a centrifugal element, where the centrifugal element is radially movable and axially supported by the input plates, and a cam mechanism converts centrifugal force into a circumferential force to reduce torsion angle between the input member and the mass body, thereby reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque fluctuation inhibiting device uses separate components for supporting the centrifugal element, then the structural stability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function for the centrifugal element with the existing input plates that hold the elastic member. The input plates are designed to axially support both the elastic member and the centrifugal element, merging two support functions into a single component structure. This reduces the number of separate support components while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The input plates are given multiple functions: they hold the elastic member radially and simultaneously axially support the centrifugal element. By making the input plates multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate support components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable structural support for all critical elements.
2Length of moving object
If the input plates are positioned apart at outer peripheral parts, then the space for radial movement of centrifugal element is improved, but the structural rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The input plates are designed with different positional characteristics for different regions: at the outer peripheral parts, the plates are positioned apart to provide sufficient space for the radial movement of the centrifugal element; at the inner peripheral parts, the plates make contact to provide structural rigidity and stability. This local variation in positioning optimizes both movement space and structural strength.
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 configuration allows for a reduced number of components while effectively inhibiting torque fluctuations across various rotational speed ranges, enhancing the efficiency and simplicity of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifugal element is radially movable by a centrifugal force acting thereon in rotation of the input member
Implementation Method 2
The damper springs reduce vibration attributed to torque fluctuations occurring when a lock-up state is made
Implementation Method 3
The cam mechanism receives the centrifugal force acting on the centrifugal element, and converts the centrifugal force into a circumferential force directed to reduce a torsion angle between the input member and the mass body
Data Source
AI summary
A torque fluctuation inhibiting device is disclosed. The torque fluctuation inhibiting device includes an input member, an elastic member, a mass body and a centrifugal element. The input member includes a pair of input plates disposed in axial alignment. The input member is disposed to be rotatable. The elastic member is held by the pair of input plates. The mass body is disposed to be rotated with the input member and be rotatable relative to the input member. The centrifugal element is disposed to be radially movable by a centrifugal force acting thereon in rotation of the input member. The centrifugal element is disposed between the pair of input plates.