Torque Converter Shock Absorber Stop for Spring Solid-Length Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock absorbers for torque converters do not prevent exterior springs from reaching their solid length, which can lead to spring failure.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorber with a mechanical stop is designed to prevent exterior springs from reaching their solid length by incorporating a driven plate with mechanical stops that contact the drive plate during compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the shock absorber uses exterior springs without additional limiting elements, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the springs may reach their solid length and break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidspring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical stop is integrated into the driven plate structure, merging the limiting function with the existing component rather than adding a separate external element. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing spring length protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical stop acts as an intermediary element between the drive plate and driven plate, physically preventing the exterior springs from compressing beyond a safe limit by making contact before the springs reach solid length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the shock absorber includes additional elements to prevent spring solid length, then spring durability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical stop is formed as an integral part of the driven plate through stamping or bending operations, combining the protective function with the existing component geometry rather than requiring separate manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical stop modifies the geometric parameters of the driven plate by adding a localized feature with specific dimensions positioned at a predetermined distance from the spring contact point, enabling spring length control through standard plate forming operations.

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

The mechanical stop effectively prevents the exterior springs from reaching their solid length, enhancing the durability and reliability of the shock absorber while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one exterior spring including a first end that is connected to the drive plate, and a second end that is connected to a driven plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the driven plate additionally comprises at least one mechanical stop which is configured to make contact with the drive plate when the drive plate compresses each exterior spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12313142B2Shock absorber with mechanical stop for torque converter

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 VALEO KAPEC CO LTD

AI summary

A shock absorber includes a mechanical stop for torque converter that prevents the exterior springs from reaching the solid length. The shock absorber with mechanical buffer stop includes a drive plate; at least one exterior spring; and a driven plate, the driven plate additionally includes at least one mechanical stop which is configured to make contact with the drive plate when the drive plate compresses each exterior spring, and each mechanical stop is located such that it prevents each exterior spring from reaching a solid-length condition.