Torque Converter Damper Assembly With Thin Tabbed Spring Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thickness of the spring support plate in torque converters is limited by the placement of springs and lock-up clutch components, constraining the springs and positioning the clutch, which restricts weight reduction and fuel economy improvements.
Innovation Solution
The spring support plate is designed with inner tabs radially inside outer tabs, allowing the springs to be retained by outer tabs and the lock-up clutch component positioned by inner tabs, reducing the plate's thickness and weight, and improving fuel economy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring support plate thickness is increased to accommodate spring placement and lock-up clutch component positioning, then the structural integrity and functional requirements are met, but the weight of the torque converter increases and fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring support plate is segmented into two distinct functional zones: outer tabs for spring retention and inner tabs for clutch plate positioning. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, enabling the plate to be thinner while maintaining both spring support and clutch positioning functions without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a conventional thick plate structure to a thin plate with three-dimensional tab extensions. The tabs protrude axially from the thin plate body, providing the necessary structural depth for spring retention and clutch positioning while keeping the main plate thickness minimal, thus reducing overall weight
2Weight of moving object
If the spring support plate thickness is reduced to decrease weight and improve fuel economy, then fuel economy improves, but the ability to constrain springs and position clutch components is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into outer tabs specifically dedicated to spring constraint and inner tabs for clutch positioning. This segmentation ensures that even though the main plate is thin, the tabs can extend axially to provide sufficient depth for reliable spring retention while maintaining overall weight reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The spring support plate utilizes a thin film structure with strategically positioned tabs. The thin plate body minimizes weight while the tabs provide the necessary structural functionality for spring constraint, achieving a balance between thickness reduction and functional reliability
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 the weight of the torque converter and enhances fuel economy by minimizing the thickness of the spring support plate while maintaining effective spring retention and clutch positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The damper assembly includes a spring disposed in the spring retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter includes a front cover arranged to receive a torque. The torque converter further includes a lock-up clutch engaged with the front cover and including a clutch plate. The torque converter further includes a damper assembly engageable with the lock-up clutch. The damper assembly includes a cover plate defining a spring retainer extending about an axis. The damper assembly further includes a spring disposed in the spring retainer. The damper assembly further includes a spring support plate fixed to the cover plate. The spring support plate includes inner tabs and outer tabs disposed radially outside of the inner tabs. The outer tabs are configured to radially constrain the spring in the spring retainer. The inner tabs are configured to position the clutch plate relative to the axis.