Torsion Damper Ring Spring Layout for Compact Vibration Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional torsion dampers using helical compression springs are inefficient in energy storage due to wasted space and material stress from torsional twisting, making them less effective in storing energy in a compact volume.

Innovation Solution

The use of conical rings with rolling elements in helical grooves allows for energy storage through tension and compression, providing a more space-efficient and effective means of damping vibrations by utilizing a screwing action between the rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional helical compression springs are used in torsion dampers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the energy storage efficiency is low due to wasted space and material stress from torsional twisting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidenergy storage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the stress state parameter from torsional stress to tensile/compression stress by using a different spring configuration. The tension/compression springs arranged radially between input and output flanges subject the springs to axial loading rather than torsional twisting, fundamentally changing how energy is stored and released while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses curved or arc-shaped spring elements arranged radially between flanges. This curvature allows the springs to be subjected to tensile and compressive forces along their arc length, converting the traditional linear compression spring geometry into a curved configuration that better utilizes the radial space and reduces torsional stress components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Volume of stationary object

If traditional helical compression springs are used, then the structure occupies more space, but the energy storage density is lower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of damperVSAvoidenergy storage density
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from axial compression (one-dimensional) to radial arrangement of springs (two-dimensional utilization of space). By arranging springs radially between input and output flanges and subjecting them to tensile/compression forces in the radial direction, the design utilizes the circumferential dimension more effectively, achieving higher energy storage density within the same overall volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If tension and compression are utilized in the spring system, then energy storage efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple springs into a unified radial arrangement between input and output flanges. The tension and compression springs work together in a coordinated manner, with the tension spring on one side and compression spring on the other, merging their functions into a single integrated torque transmission path that achieves bidirectional damping without requiring separate complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables up to three times more efficient energy storage in a smaller volume, reducing the overall size of the damper while effectively dampening vibrations in both rotational directions.

Implementation Method 1

Rotation of the input carrier relative to the output carrier places the first conical ring in compression and the second conical ring in tension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

Rotation of the input carrier relative to the output carrier places the first conical ring in compression and the second conical ring in tension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

A plurality of rolling elements are disposed between and connect the first and second rings. Rotation of the input carrier relative to the output carrier forces the first ring to be in compression and the second to be in tension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11434984B2Torsion spring using tensile stress
Publication Date: 2022.09.06 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • US11434984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A torsion damper includes an input carrier and an output carrier. The input carrier is configured to rotate about an axis and receive an input torque from a prime mover, such as an engine. An output carrier is spaced along the axis from the input carrier and is configured to transfer an output torque to a transmission component. The torsion damper includes two rings, namely a first ring connected to the input carrier and a second ring connected to the output carrier. The first and second rings are spaced apart from one another. A plurality of rolling elements are disposed between and connect the first and second rings. Rotation of the input carrier relative to the output carrier causes the rings to rotate, forcing the first ring to be in compression and the second to be in tension.