Torque Fluctuation Inhibiting Device Using Guide Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque fluctuation inhibiting devices suffer from hysteresis in torsional characteristics due to gaps between centrifugal elements and recessed portions, leading to instability and reduced performance in attenuating torque fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A torque fluctuation inhibiting device with a mass body, centrifugal elements, cam mechanisms, and support portions, where centrifugal elements receive centrifugal forces and convert them into circumferential forces to reduce relative displacement between the rotor and mass body, with support portions maintaining the posture of centrifugal elements to eliminate gaps and stabilize the cam mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If centrifugal elements are accommodated in recessed portions with radial movement capability, then the device can convert centrifugal force into circumferential force to reduce relative displacement, but gaps are produced between centrifugal elements and recessed portion sidewalls causing hysteresis and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of torsional characteristicVSAvoidstructure of recessed portions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Guide rollers are introduced as intermediary elements between the centrifugal elements and the recessed portions. These guide rollers eliminate gaps and prevent tilting by providing rolling contact surfaces, thereby stabilizing the torsional characteristic without requiring complex recessed portion structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional sliding contact mechanism between centrifugal elements and recessed portions with a rolling contact mechanism using guide rollers. This substitution eliminates hysteresis and instability caused by gaps while maintaining the functional relationship.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If gaps exist between centrifugal elements and recessed portion sidewalls, then the structure allows radial movement of centrifugal elements, but tilt and circumferential movement of centrifugal elements occur causing hysteresis in torsional characteristic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial movement of centrifugal elementsVSAvoidhysteresis in torsional characteristic

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Guide rollers serve as mediators that enable radial movement of centrifugal elements while preventing tilting and circumferential movement. The guide rollers maintain stable contact with both the centrifugal elements and the recessed portions, eliminating hysteresis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If centrifugal elements are allowed to tilt and move circumferentially during actuation, then the device responds to torque fluctuations, but the profile of the cam changes from the designed profile resulting in instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to torque fluctuationsVSAvoidcam profile accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Guide rollers act as intermediaries that constrain the movement of centrifugal elements to purely radial direction. This prevents tilting and circumferential movement, ensuring the cam profile remains accurate and stable while still allowing the device to respond to torque fluctuations through radial displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 inhibits torque fluctuations across a wide rotational speed range, stabilizes the torsional characteristic, and prevents hysteresis, thereby enhancing the performance of torque attenuation.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of centrifugal elements is movable in a radial direction when receiving a centrifugal force generated in rotation of the rotor and the mass body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

each of the plurality of cam mechanisms converts the centrifugal force into a circumferential force directed to reduce the relative displacement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force conversion: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

Each of the plurality of centrifugal elements receives a rotational moment of inertia about an axis arranged in parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor when receiving the centrifugal force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational moment of inertia: Moment of Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS10619703B2Torque fluctuation inhibiting device, torque converter and power transmission device

Publication Date: 2020.04.14 EXEDY CORP

AI summary

A torque fluctuation inhibiting device includes plural centrifugal elements movable in a radial direction when receiving a centrifugal force generated in rotation of a rotor and a mass body. Each centrifugal element receives a rotational moment of inertia about an axis arranged in parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor when receiving the centrifugal force. When a relative displacement is produced between the rotor and the mass body in a rotational direction due to the centrifugal force acting on each centrifugal element, each cam mechanism converts the centrifugal force into a circumferential force directed to reduce the relative displacement. Support portions are provided on either the rotor or the mass body, and each makes contact with part of each centrifugal element when each centrifugal element receives the rotational moment of inertia. Each support portion supports each centrifugal element such that each centrifugal element is movable in the radial direction.