Torque Converter Damper Assembly With Planetary Gear Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damper systems for vehicle torque converters are inefficient in reducing torsional vibrations and sudden rotational movements, leading to increased wear and tear on transmission components and higher costs due to complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly with a planetary gear train that includes a sun gear, ring gear, and planet gears, coupled with spring dampers, which compress and decompress to absorb torsional vibrations, and is designed to extend damper travel and reduce stiffness, thereby improving damping performance and reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coil spring dampers are used in torque converters, then the system structure is simple, but the damping performance is insufficient and cannot effectively reduce torsional vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
A planetary gear train is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the engine and transmission. The gear train includes a sun gear connected to the engine, planet gears mounted on a carrier, and a ring gear connected to the transmission. This intermediary gear system amplifies the damping effect by mechanical advantage while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the damping system by using multiple coil springs arranged radially around the planet gear carrier instead of a single spring. The spring constant, number of springs, and their radial distribution are optimized to achieve better torsional vibration damping. The gear ratio of the planetary system is also tuned to amplify the damping effect.
2Reliability
If larger and stiffer dampers are used to improve damping performance, then torsional vibrations are reduced, but the system occupies more space and increases in cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic planetary gear system where the planet gears rotate on their axes while the entire carrier assembly rotates with the ring gear. This multi-degree-of-freedom dynamic structure allows the damping forces to be generated through relative motions rather than requiring a large static spring deflection, thereby reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining effective damping performance.
3Reliability
If larger dampers are used to reduce torsional vibrations, then vibration damping improves, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damping function with the existing planetary gear structure used for torque conversion in automatic transmissions. The same planet gear carrier that serves the torque multiplication function also supports the damping springs. This integration allows the damping system to utilize the existing structural framework, avoiding the need for separate dedicated damping components and thereby controlling system complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple dampers are added to improve damping performance, then torsional vibrations are reduced, but the system occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where multiple coil springs are arranged concentrically within the planetary gear carrier. The springs are positioned radially and fit within the existing gear structure, utilizing the hollow space inside the carrier. This nesting approach allows multiple damping elements to be packed into a compact volume without significantly increasing the overall footprint of the torque converter assembly.
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 effectively reduces torsional vibrations and NVH, extending the life of transmission components, simplifying the system, and reducing costs by optimizing gear ratios and spring damper configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a primary damping element positioned in a cavity formed by the second portion. Rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion compresses and decompresses the primary damping element to dampen a torsional vibration associated with the engine torque
Implementation Method 2
compresses and decompresses the primary damping element to dampen a torsional vibration associated with the engine torque
Data Source
AI summary
Damper apparatus for use with vehicle torque converters are disclosed. A disclosed damper assembly for a vehicle torque converter includes a first portion operatively coupled to a clutch of the vehicle torque converter and configured to receive an engine torque from the clutch based on a state of the clutch. The damper assembly also includes a second portion and a hub rotatably coupled to a turbine of the vehicle torque converter. The damper assembly also includes a gear train including a ring gear coupled to the first portion, a planet gear rotatably coupled to the second portion, and a sun gear coupled to the hub. The damper assembly also includes a primary damping element positioned in a cavity formed by the second portion. Rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion compresses and decompresses the primary damping element to dampen a torsional vibration associated with the engine torque.