Torque Converter Lock-Up Device Dynamic Damper Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process of dynamic damper devices for torque converters is complex and costly due to the need for multiple components and welding, which hinders cost reduction and simplification.

Innovation Solution

A lock-up device with a dynamic damper device mounted on the outer peripheral part of the output-side plate, eliminating the need for welding to the turbine shell and reducing the number of components, featuring a clutch portion, input-side and output-side plates, a damper portion, and a dynamic damper device that includes inertia rings and elastic members to attenuate rotational speed fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the dynamic damper device is fixed to the turbine shell by welding, then the device is securely attached, but the manufacturing process becomes complex with many steps and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the dynamic damper device with the output-side plate by integrating the inertia member directly into the plate structure, eliminating the need for separate attachment processes like welding. This merging reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining secure attachment through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The output-side plate serves multiple functions: it transmits torque from the clutch portion to the turbine and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the dynamic damper device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate attachment components and processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used in the dynamic damper device, then the device can be securely assembled, but the number of members increases and cost reduction is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly securityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inertia member with the output-side plate into a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components. This integration maintains the functional requirements of the dynamic damper device while decreasing component count for cost reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The output-side plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: torque transmission and dynamic damping. By making the plate multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate components that would otherwise be required for damping functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the dynamic damper device is mounted on the outer peripheral part of the output-side plate, then welding to turbine shell is eliminated and manufacturing is simplified, but the mounting position must be precisely determined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmounting position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the dynamic damper function into the output-side plate structure itself, the patent eliminates separate mounting operations. The integrated design ensures proper positioning through the structure's geometry rather than requiring precise external mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the construction and manufacturing process, reduces costs, and effectively inhibits rotational speed fluctuations while reducing the axial dimensions of the torque converter.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic members elastically couple the input-side plate and the output-side plate in a rotational direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The dynamic damper device includes inertia rings and elastic members to attenuate rotational speed fluctuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Implementation Method 3

The dynamic damper device is configured to attenuate fluctuation in a rotational speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10451157B2Lock-up device for torque converter

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 EXEDY CORP

AI summary

A lock-up device includes a clutch portion, an intermediate member, a driven plate, a damper portion and a dynamic damper device. The clutch portion is a portion into which a torque is inputted from a front cover. The intermediate member is a member into which the torque is inputted from the clutch portion. The driven plate is rotatable relatively to the intermediate member and is coupled to a turbine hub. The damper portion elastically couples the intermediate member and the driven plate in a rotational direction. The dynamic damper device is mounted to an outer peripheral part of the driven plate and attenuates fluctuation in a rotational speed.