Torque Converter Lock-Up Damper With Nested Inertial Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock-up devices for torque converters have a complex structure and high manufacturing costs due to the use of separate connecting members for inertial mass bodies, and they occupy additional space, increasing the overall size of the torque converter.
Innovation Solution
The lock-up device integrates an inertial mass body directly onto the output member, eliminating the need for a connection member and positioning it radially within the coil spring, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing the installation space required for the inertial mass body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate connecting member is used to connect the inertial mass body to the coil spring, then the dynamic damper can be assembled, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial mass body and the coil spring are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate connecting members. This reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining the dynamic damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial mass body is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the necessary inertia for dynamic damping, acts as a mounting structure for the coil spring, and eliminates the need for separate connecting members. This multi-functionality reduces overall component count and complexity.
2Volume of stationary object
If the inertial mass body is installed outside the radial direction of the coil spring, then the dynamic damper can function, but additional installation space is required which increases the overall torque converter size
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial mass body is positioned within the radial space already occupied by the coil spring assembly, effectively nesting components within each other's spatial envelope. This eliminates the need for additional radial installation space and reduces the overall torque converter size.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a radial arrangement that requires additional radial space to a configuration where the inertial mass body is positioned within the existing radial envelope of the coil spring, utilizing the available three-dimensional space more efficiently.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and minimizes the overall size of the torque converter by eliminating unnecessary components and optimizing the placement of inertial mass within the existing damper mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member and a second elastic member elastically connecting the input member and the output member in a rotational direction, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a dynamic damper directly installed to the output member, wherein the first elastic member is disposed outside in the radial direction with respect to the second elastic member, and the dynamic damper is disposed between the first elastic member and the second elastic member in the radial direction
Implementation Method 3
a third elastic member elastically connecting the inertial mass body and the output member with respect to the rotational direction
Implementation Method 4
an input member to which a torque is input from a front cover through a friction force
Data Source
AI summary
A lock-up device for a torque converter is provided with a simple structure which reduces manufacturing costs, and which may reduce a size of the entire torque converter by minimizing an installation space of a dynamic damper.