Torque Converter Inertia Ring Layout for Higher Inertia Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque fluctuation inhibiting devices face a challenge in increasing inertia force without expanding the installation space, as thicker inertia rings lead to increased axial dimensions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an inertia block between a pair of rotatable inertia rings and an input member, which are disposed axially on both sides of the input member, allowing the inertia force to be enhanced without expanding the device's axial dimensions, along with a variable stiffness mechanism that adjusts torsional stiffness based on rotational speed using a centrifugal element and cam mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the thickness of the inertia rings is increased to increase the inertia force, then the inertia force is improved, but the axial dimension of the device is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinertia forceVSAvoidaxial dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inertia blocks are nested within the hollow interior space of the inertia rings. This allows the inertia blocks to be positioned inside the rings rather than adding to their external dimensions, thereby increasing the total inertia force without increasing the axial dimension of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing inertia force by adding thickness in the axial direction (one dimension), the invention utilizes the radial and circumferential dimensions by placing inertia blocks inside the hollow space of the rings. This dimensional redistribution allows inertia enhancement without axial expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If the thickness of the inertia rings is increased to increase the inertia force, then the inertia force is improved, but the installation space is expanded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinertia forceVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a variable stiffness mechanism is added to adjust torsional stiffness based on rotational speed, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptive torsional stiffnessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The variable stiffness mechanism dynamically adjusts the torsional stiffness of the connection between the inertia rings and input member based on rotational speed. At low speeds, the stiffness is reduced to allow greater torsional deformation for fluctuation inhibition, while at high speeds, the stiffness increases to maintain synchronization. This dynamic adjustment provides adaptability across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism changes the physical parameter of torsional stiffness based on rotational speed. By using speed-sensitive elements such as springs or dampers with non-linear characteristics, the system automatically adjusts its stiffness parameter without requiring complex external control systems, thereby achieving adaptability with moderate complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively increases the inertia force of the inertia rings without expanding the installation space and provides adaptive torsional stiffness to mitigate torque fluctuations across various rotational speeds.

Implementation Method 1

The centrifugal element is radially movable by a centrifugal force acting thereon in rotation of either the input member or the pair of inertia rings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the inertia force of the pair of inertia rings can be increased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS10989290B2Torque fluctuation inhibiting device and torque converter

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 EXEDY CORP

AI summary

A torque fluctuation inhibiting device is disclosed. The torque fluctuation inhibiting device includes an input member, a pair of inertia rings and an inertia block. The input member, to which a torque is inputted, is disposed to be rotatable. The pair of inertia rings is disposed axially on the both sides of the input member. The pair of inertia rings is disposed to be rotatable relative to the input member. The pair of inertia rings is unitarily rotated with each other. The inertia block is disposed between the pair of inertia rings. The inertia block is attached to the pair of inertia rings.