Torsion Damper Friction Washer Layout to Eliminate Angular Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torsion dampers in vehicle powertrains face issues with premature wear and reduced performance due to angular play between coupling elements, leading to peening phenomena and axial friction that can shear or peen these elements.
Innovation Solution
A torsion damper design that rigidly fixes a friction washer in rotation on a support element using fixing portions connected by flexible elements, allowing axial displacement while eliminating angular play, and incorporating an elastic washer to maintain axial load and compensate for wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coupling elements such as teeth or splines are used to lock the friction washer in rotation, then rotational locking is achieved, but angular play occurs leading to peening phenomena and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful coupling elements (teeth, splines, tabs) that cause angular play and peening phenomena. Instead of using these traditional locking mechanisms, the patent employs a friction-based axial locking system where the friction washer is pressed against the support element by elastic elements, eliminating the source of angular play and peening while maintaining rotational locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical coupling element system (teeth/splines/tabs) with a friction-based mechanical system. The friction washer is locked in rotation through friction contact between its friction surface and the support element, supplemented by elastic elements that provide axial preloading. This substitution eliminates angular play and peening phenomena while achieving reliable rotational locking
2Duration of action of moving object
If the friction washer is allowed to displace axially to compensate for wear, then wear compensation is achieved, but angular play increases due to the need for clearance in coupling elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces elastic elements (such as elastic washers or springs) as intermediaries between the friction washer and the support element. These elastic elements provide continuous axial preloading force that maintains friction-based rotational locking while allowing the friction washer to displace axially for wear compensation. The elastic intermediary ensures that the friction washer remains pressed against the support element throughout its service life, maintaining rotational locking reliability even as wear occurs
3Ease of operation
If coupling elements are designed with minimum angular play for axial displacement, then axial displacement is enabled, but the friction washer and support element are not rigorously locked in rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the coupling element mechanism with a friction-based locking system combined with elastic preloading. The friction washer is locked in rotation through friction contact between its friction surface and the support element, while elastic elements provide continuous axial preloading force. This allows the friction washer to displace axially for wear compensation while maintaining rigorous rotational locking without requiring minimum angular play in coupling elements
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 achieves rotational blocking without angular play, reduces axial load on the friction washer, and compensates for wear by allowing axial displacement of the friction washer, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the friction device.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic washer arranged axially between the first element and the dorsal face of the friction portion
Implementation Method 2
each fixing portion for fixing to the first element being connected to the friction portion by a flexible element allowing axial displacement of the dorsal face of the friction portion with respect to the support element of the first element
Implementation Method 3
a friction device configured to dissipate by friction the energy stored in the springs
Data Source
AI summary
A torsion damper for a vehicle powertrain includes a first element having a support element and a second element movable in rotation with respect to the first element about an axis of rotation X. Springs are mounted between the first element and the second element so as to compress to allow relative rotation about the X axis between the first element and the second element. A friction device including a friction washer provided with at least one fixing portion rigidly fixed in rotation on a support element of the first element, the friction washer having a friction portion having a friction track backed against a dorsal face of the friction portion. An elastic washer arranged axially between the first element and the dorsal face of the friction portion, each fixing portion for fixing to the first element being connected to the friction portion by a flexible element allowing axial displacement of the dorsal face of the friction portion relative to the support element of the first element.