Tungsten Alloy Pendulum Weights for Compact Torque Converter Inertia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern automobiles require more compact torque converters with improved performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining or increasing the rotational inertia of the pendulum absorber assembly to reduce driveline harshness and noise, which is challenging due to the limited space and existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pendulum absorber assembly using tungsten alloy pendulum weights, combined with a spring retainer and floating flange configuration, including arcuate springs and recesses, to maintain rotational inertia while reducing size, and a drive plate with fingers and springs for enhanced vibration absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the pendulum absorber assembly is reduced, then the torque converter becomes more compact, but the rotational inertia decreases and vibration absorption performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the pendulum weights from conventional materials to tungsten alloy, which has a density approximately 1.7 times higher than steel. This material parameter change allows the pendulum weights to maintain the required rotational inertia while occupying significantly less volume, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and vibration absorption performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs tungsten alloy as a composite material solution, combining tungsten powder with metal binders to create a material that offers both high density and structural integrity. This composite material approach enables the pendulum absorber assembly to achieve reduced size while maintaining or improving its rotational inertia and vibration absorption capabilities.
2Reliability
If the mass of the pendulum absorber is increased to maintain rotational inertia, then vibration absorption improves, but the device becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material density parameter to tungsten alloy, the patent achieves the required rotational inertia with reduced mass. The higher density allows for smaller mass distribution at the same radius, or equivalent mass in a more compact configuration, thus improving vibration absorption without increasing overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the spatial distribution of mass within the pendulum weights, utilizing the radial and axial dimensions more efficiently. By concentrating mass closer to the rotation axis while maintaining effective rotational inertia through strategic placement, the design achieves better vibration absorption with reduced overall mass.
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 use of tungsten alloy pendulum weights allows for a more compact torque converter with equal or better performance and durability, maintaining rotational inertia and reducing size, thus addressing the challenge of driveline harshness and noise.
Implementation Method 1
The use of tungsten alloy pendulum weights allows for a more compact torque converter with equal or better performance and durability, maintaining rotational inertia and reducing size
Implementation Method 2
A centrifugal pendulum absorber absorbs engine vibrations at a wide range of engine speeds. The mass and corresponding rotational inertia of the centrifugal pendulum absorber is used to absorb driveline vibrations.
Implementation Method 3
The mass and corresponding rotational inertia of the centrifugal pendulum absorber is used to absorb driveline vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A pendulum absorber assembly for a torque converter including a first spring retainer, a second spring retainer, and a floating flange positioned between the first spring retainer and the second spring retainer. The pendulum absorber assembly also includes a drive plate affixed to the floating flange, a plurality of arcuate springs disposed between the second spring retainer and the drive plate, and a plurality of pendulum weights affixed to the second spring retainer, wherein at least one of the pendulum weights is made of tungsten alloy.