Torque Converter Damper Layout With Intermediate Flange Pendulum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrodynamic torque converters face challenges in efficiently managing torsional vibrations across varying engine speeds and cylinder configurations, particularly in preventing slipping and optimizing torque transmission during start-up and operation.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodynamic torque converter with a torsional vibration damper featuring an intermediate flange connected by spring devices, incorporating a centrifugal pendulum and adjustable helical compression springs to isolate vibrations, allowing for alternative wiring configurations to match different engine oscillation modes and enhance torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional torsional vibration damper is used with fixed damping characteristics, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively manage torsional vibrations across varying engine speeds and cylinder configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the damping characteristics adjustable through variable spring preloads. The spring devices (17, 18) can be actively controlled to change their preload forces, allowing the damper to adapt its stiffness and damping properties in real-time according to engine operating conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the preload parameters of the spring devices (17, 18) to alter the damping characteristics. By adjusting spring preloads, the system can optimize torsional vibration damping for different engine speeds and cylinder configurations without requiring a completely different structural design for each operating mode
2Reliability
If multiple separate dampers are provided for different oscillation modes, then the vibration damping effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single intermediate flange (8) that can simultaneously damp multiple oscillation modes (first, second, and third damper orders). The flange is connected to the turbine wheel (12) and can interact with different centrifugal pendulum masses (23) to address various vibration frequencies, thereby achieving multi-functional vibration damping with a single component instead of multiple separate dampers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple damping functions into a single integrated intermediate flange (8) structure. This flange combines the functions of multiple separate dampers by incorporating multiple centrifugal pendulum masses (23) with different characteristics, allowing it to simultaneously or selectively damp first, second, and third damper orders depending on operating conditions, thus reducing component count while maintaining effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If a centrifugal pendulum with fixed pendulum track is used, then the damper order is fixed, but it cannot be matched to different engine oscillation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing multiple centrifugal pendulum masses (23) with different masses and/or different pendulum tracks. The system can dynamically select or activate specific pendulum masses based on the required damper order for the current operating condition. This allows the same physical structure to adapt to different oscillation modes without requiring a completely different pendulum mechanism for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the centrifugal pendulum system into multiple independent pendulum masses (23) that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. Each pendulum mass can be designed with specific mass and pendulum track characteristics tailored to specific damper orders. This segmentation allows the system to match different engine oscillation modes by activating the appropriate subset of pendulum masses, maintaining adaptability while managing complexity through modular design
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 optimizes torque transmission across different engine speeds and configurations, improving the efficiency and reliability of torque converters in vehicle drivetrains by providing adaptive damping and enhanced torque delivery during start-up and operation.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate flange (6), which is connected to the input part (4) and to the output part (5) by means of spring devices (7, 8)
Implementation Method 2
a centrifugal pendulum (9) is received on the intermediate flange (6)
Implementation Method 3
adjustable helical compression springs to isolate vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrodynamic torque converter and a torsional vibration damper include a pump wheel connected on the drive side and a turbine wheel which is driven by the pump wheel. Between the housing of the torque converter and an output hub, a torsional vibration damper, which includes an input part that can be connected to the housing by a converter bridging clutch, and an output part, which is connected to the output hub, are provided. In order to allow a special wiring of the torsional vibration damper, an intermediate flange is arranged against a respective spring device, which acts in a circumferential direction, between the input part and the output part, said intermediate flange having a centrifugal pendulum and being connected to the turbine wheel.