Torque Converter Damper Segmentation for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque converters face challenges in effectively damping torsional vibrations, which can lead to unpleasant operating conditions and powertrain wear, particularly when the torque converter clutch is fully locked, as excessive slipping to dampen vibrations decreases drivetrain efficiency and fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mini damper in series with the fluid coupling and a primary damper, along with a selectively slipping torque converter clutch, to manage vibrations by altering the damping capability and reducing the need for excessive clutch slipping, thereby improving fuel economy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the torque converter clutch is fully locked to improve drivetrain efficiency, then fuel economy improves, but torsional vibrations increase causing powertrain wear and unpleasant operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is segmented into two distinct dampers: a primary damper located between the input and output, and a mini damper integrated into the fluid coupling between impeller and turbine. This segmentation allows each damper to operate optimally in different clutch states, enabling full clutch lock for efficiency while maintaining vibration control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its damping characteristics based on clutch engagement state. When the clutch is fully locked, the primary damper provides necessary damping while minimizing slip. When the clutch needs to slip for vibration control, the mini damper within the fluid coupling provides additional damping. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between efficiency and vibration control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the torque converter clutch slips excessively to dampen vibrations, then torsional vibrations are reduced, but drivetrain efficiency and fuel economy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The mini damper is integrated into the fluid coupling structure beforehand, providing pre-positioned damping capability. This allows the system to dampen vibrations through the fluid coupling path without requiring excessive clutch slip, as the damping function is already in place and active during fluid coupling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid coupling acts as an intermediary element between the input and output, and the mini damper is embedded within this intermediary. This allows vibration damping to occur through the fluid coupling mechanism itself, reducing the need for clutch slip while maintaining vibration control, thereby preserving drivetrain efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a single damper is used in the torque converter, then the structure is simpler, but the damping capability is insufficient when the clutch is fully locked
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is segmented into two functional parts: the primary damper for general damping needs and the mini damper specifically integrated into the fluid coupling. This segmentation provides sufficient damping capability across different operating conditions, particularly when the clutch is fully locked, while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mini damper is nested within the fluid coupling structure, with the fluid coupling surrounding and incorporating the mini damper components. This nesting arrangement provides enhanced damping capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the mini damper utilizes the existing fluid coupling space and structure.
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 configuration reduces the amount of slip required from the torque converter clutch, enhancing fuel economy and drivetrain efficiency by providing additional damping capacity through the mini and primary dampers, thus minimizing the negative impact of clutch slipping on powertrain performance.
Implementation Method 1
A mini damper is disposed in line with the fluid coupling between the input and the output
Implementation Method 2
A primary damper is disposed between the input and the output
Implementation Method 3
The fluid coupling transfers torque between the impeller blades and the turbine blades when the input and the output are rotating at different speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter is provided. The torque converter, or torque converter assembly, operatively connects a primary mover and a transmission, and includes an input rotationally connected to the primary mover and an output rotationally connected to the transmission. The torque converter includes a fluid coupling having impeller blades and turbine blades. The fluid coupling transfers torque between the impeller blades and the turbine blades when the input and the output are rotating at different speeds. A mini damper is disposed in line with the fluid coupling between the input and the output. A torque converter clutch is configured to selectively slip or selectively lock, such that torque may be transferred directly between the input and the output. A primary damper is disposed between the input and the output.