Torque Converter Damper Layout for Compact Torsional Vibration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque converters with anti-resonance dampers face challenges in reducing production costs, minimizing installation space, and improving damping performance due to increased radial size and complex shapes, which limit the size of the inertial mass and result in insufficient damping performance.
Innovation Solution
The torque converter design simplifies the structure by directly installing an inertial mass on an intermediate member radially outside the damper spring, using the turbine shell as an inertial mass, and incorporating a ring-shaped mass plate configuration with additional mass and a connecting bracket to enhance damping performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an anti-resonance damper is disposed radially outside the outer coil spring, then damping performance is improved, but the radial size of the torque converter is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the anti-resonance damper from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement. The inertial mass is positioned axially outside the outer coil spring rather than radially outside, changing the spatial dimension of placement. This allows the damper components to be stacked in the axial direction, maintaining damping performance while reducing radial footprint and overall torque converter size.
2Volume of stationary object
If the occupied space of the dynamic damper is limited, then the overall size is reduced, but it is difficult to secure sufficient size for the inertial mass body, resulting in insufficient inertial force and damping performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inertial mass adjustable by providing a through-hole that allows insertion of adjustment members (such as weights or adjustable plugs). This enables the inertial mass to be dynamically adjusted after assembly, allowing optimization of inertial force within limited space. The adjustable design ensures sufficient damping performance can be achieved even with compact dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the anti-resonance damper is configured to radially extend from the outer end of the output member, then connection is achieved, but the shape of the output member becomes complicated and manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection function from the output member by introducing a dedicated connecting member (such as a connecting plate or bracket) that separately performs the connection task. This allows the output member to maintain a simple, standard shape while the connecting member provides the necessary connection interface for the anti-resonance damper, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If a connecting member is used to connect the inertial mass to the output member, then connection is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and production cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inertial mass directly with the intermediate member by providing a through-hole in the intermediate member for direct insertion and fixation of the inertial mass. This integration eliminates the need for separate connecting members, reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable connection. The inertial mass becomes an integral part of the damper assembly, simplifying both structure and manufacturing.
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 production costs, minimizes the overall size of the torque converter, and significantly improves damping performance by optimizing the placement and utilization of inertial mass within the existing space.
Implementation Method 1
a first damper spring and a second damper spring elastically connecting the input member and the output member
Implementation Method 2
an anti-resonance damper in which an inertial mass is installed on a torque transmission path
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a torque converter that may reduce production cost by a simple structure compared to the conventional art, reduce the overall size of the torque converter by minimizing an installation space of an anti-resonance damper, and improve damping performance.