Abstract: The invention discloses a novel method for constructing a torsional vibration damper where the spring damper system is aligned axially with the axis of the device, and it is put into compression by axially reducing its width and simultaneously preventing radial expansion. The assembly of the torsional vibration damper occurs in two progressive controlled stages by torquing a set of fasteners, thereby minimizing the shear strain on the elastomer during assembly, enhancing structural robustness, modally stability, and serviceability in the field.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a novel method for constructing an Arcuate Common Vertex Spring Damper System, that can either be used as a single spring for a torsional vibration application or be used in pairs as a Dual Arcuate Common Vertex Spring Dampers System. Both these constructions yield significant improvements over the conventional Common Vertex and Dual Common Vertex seen in prior art, such as promoting a radially tighter packaging envelop, allowing the resulting device to be tuned across a greater torsional frequency range, and improving the modal decoupling response of the resulting device.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a novel method for constructing a Torsional Vibration Damper (TVD). The traditional means used to construct the hub of the TVD was to employ a single material. The disclosed invention essentially discretizes the construction of the TVD hub into three regions: nose, spokes, and flange, and simultaneously aligns unique materials and manufacturing methods for each region with the structural loads borne thereby. Consequently, the invention helps in reduces four unwanted characteristics: (1) mass; (2) polar mass moment of inertia; and (3) casting scrap; and (4) cost. Furthermore, because of this construction other enhancements to the axial and angular structural integrity of the TVD can be reaped in certain cases.

Abstract: A low frequency torsional vibration damper has an annular inertia member defining an annular recess for receiving an elastomeric O-ring in a radial outer surface or a radial inner surface thereof and defining opposing annular recesses for receiving elastomeric O-rings, one each, in the top and bottom surfaces thereof, an elastomeric O-ring seated in each annular recess, and a hub defining an annular receptacle with opposing sidewalls that each comprise a plurality of spaced apart tabs permanently deformed against the plurality of elastomeric O-rings, thereby operatively coupling the hub to the inertia member for rotation together. When the inertia member defines the outer diameter of the torsional vibration damper, the hub is mountable on a shaft, and when the inertia member defines the inner diameter of the torsional vibration damper, the hub is mountable inside a shaft.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a novel method for constructing an Arcuate Common Vertex Spring Damper System, that can either be used as a single spring for a torsional vibration application or be used in pairs as a Dual Arcuate Common Vertex Spring Dampers System. Both these constructions yield significant improvements over the conventional Common Vertex and Dual Common Vertex seen in prior art, such as promoting a radially tighter packaging envelop, allowing the resulting device to be tuned across a greater torsional frequency range, and improving the modal decoupling response of the resulting device.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a novel method for constructing a Torsional Vibration Damper where the device can be radially installed onto a fully assembled vibrating shaft or flange. Furthermore, the device can be adjusted for frequency during its assembly, essentially eliminating the need for multiple parts, and simultaneously eliminating human/machine error from switching parts across vehicular platforms due to their identical visual appearance.

Abstract: Torsional vibration dampers (TVDs) having a plurality of spokes that are asymmetric by having a changing spoke thickness in the angular direction with the greatest thickness at the position where the belt torque and the dynamic torque of the TVD act in unison are disclosed. The spokes, which connect a central member to a peripheral rim, include an asymmetrical thickness in an angular direction, as evidenced by a cross-section view transverse to a radial length of each of the plurality of spokes. Engine systems having one of the disclosed TVDs mounted to a shaft are also disclosed, for example a TVD mounted to a crankshaft.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a novel method for constructing a Low Stiffness Torsional Spring-Damper that simultaneously yields the following advantages over conventional designs: (1) the elastomer is not mold-bonded to the two metallic extremities; (2) the amount of elastomer is relatively smaller compared to conventionally constructed devices; (3) the device only allows the torsional direction to be spring loaded; (4) there is some damping inherently present in the system; (5) the device does not disintegrate on failure of the elastomeric element; and (6) the device is serviceable in the field without disengaging from the rotating shaft. Such a Low Stiffness Torsional Spring-Damper when used in a Torsional Vibration Isolator or a Torsional Vibration Damper would reduce its cost while improving its structural and modal integrity and enabling its serviceability in the field.

Abstract: Torsional vibration dampers (TVDs) having a plurality of spokes designed to withstand both torsional and bending forces and vibrations are disclosed. The spokes, which connect a central member to a peripheral rim, include a first end coupled to an outer radial surface of the central member; a second end coupled to an inner radial surface of the rim; and four concave surfaces extending between the first end and the second end. The concave surfaces may be concave from the first end to the second end and may also be concave laterally from front to back or side to side. A TVD having a hub with spokes having one or more concave surfaces is also disclosed herein. A method of designing the spokes for the hub is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a novel method for constructing a LSTSD that simultaneously yields the following advantages over conventional designs: (1) the elastomer is not mold-bonded to the two metallic extremities; (2) the amount of elastomer is relatively smaller compared to conventionally constructed devices; (3) the device only allows the torsional direction to be spring loaded; (4) there is some damping inherently present in the system; (5) the device does not disintegrate on failure of the elastomeric element; and (6) the device is serviceable in the field without disengaging from the rotating shaft. Such a LSTSD when used in a TVI or a TVA would reduce its cost while improving its structural and modal integrity and enabling its serviceability in the field.

Abstract: Radial vibration dampers have an inertia member defining an annular channel having (i) a radially facing, open face; (ii) a bottom surface; and (iii) interior, opposing surfaces. The interior, opposing surfaces are each angled outward away from a central transverse plane through the inertia member at an angle in a range from zero degrees to at most 45 degrees. A spring damper member is seated in the annular channel to a selected depth that defines a damper gap between a radial inner surface of the spring damper member and the bottom surface of the annular channel and defines a clearance gap between the shaft and the inertia member. A tuning ratio of the clearance gap to the selected depth is in a range of about 1:1.5 to about 1:0.5.

Abstract: Torsional vibration dampers are disclosed that have a hub defining a plurality of fastener-receiving openings and an inertia member concentric about and spaced a radial distance apart from a shaft-receiving member of the hub and having a plurality of receptacles defining a bore oriented axially. Each receptacle aligns with one of the plurality of fastener-receiving openings, and receives one of a plurality of elastomeric rings with a fastener seated therein and received in the fastener-receiving openings to operatively connect the inertia member to the hub through compression of the elastomeric rings. The height of each elastomeric ring is greater than the axial width of the receptacles, and compression of the elastomeric rings deforms each radially into a first gap between the hub and the inertia member and a second gap between the inertia member and the fastener, thereby axially locking the inertia member to the hub for rotation together.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a novel method for constructing a Torsional Vibration Damper where the device can be radially installed onto a fully assembled vibrating shaft or flange. Furthermore, the device can be adjusted for frequency during its assembly, essentially eliminating the need for multiple parts, and simultaneously eliminating human/machine error from switching parts across vehicular platforms due to their identical visual appearance.

Abstract: Torsional vibration dampers are disclosed that include a monolithic body having an axis of rotation, an innermost annular wall defining a bore therethrough for receiving a shaft, and an outer annular wall concentric about the axis of rotation and spaced radially outward relative to the innermost annular wall, an inertia member concentric about the axis of rotation and positioned radially inward relative to the outer annual wall, the inertia member having an inner surface facing the axis of rotation and an outer surface facing the outermost annular wall, a first elastomer member seated against the inner surface of the inertia member, and a second elastomer member seated against the outer surface of the inertia member and in between the inertia member and the outer annular wall. The first and second elastomer members operably couple the inertia member to the monolithic body for rotation therewith.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a novel method for constructing a Torsional Vibration Damper (TVD). The traditional means used to construct the hub of the TVD was to employ a single material. The disclosed invention essentially discretizes the construction of the TVD hub into three regions: nose, spokes, and flange, and simultaneously aligns unique materials and manufacturing methods for each region with the structural loads borne thereby. Consequently, the invention helps in reduces four unwanted characteristics: (1) mass; (2) polar mass moment of inertia; and (3) casting scrap; and (4) cost. Furthermore, because of this construction other enhancements to the axial and angular structural integrity of the TVD can be reaped in certain cases.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a Torsional Vibration Damper (TVD) that employs the use of two novel features namely the receiving ledge and the guiding ledge that allows it to have the following four advantages over conventional TVDs: (1) a reduced volume of elastomer; (2) a narrower axial thickness; (3) enhanced performance due to increased real-estate for the ring; and (4) an ability to be assembled without elaborate fixturing or bonding; while not compromising its structural and modal stability.

Abstract: Torsional vibration dampers are disclosed that include a hub and an inertia member disposed concentric with and spaced radially outward or radially inward from the hub that together define a plurality of pockets therebetween each having a spool-shaped receptacle. A plurality of spool-shaped elastomeric plugs, one each, are seated in the spool-shaped receptacles. When the inertia member is spaced radially outward of the hub, the hub is mountable on a shaft, and when the inertia member is spaced radially inward of the hub, the hub is mountable inside a shaft. Methods of making the torsional vibration dampers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Torsional vibration dampers for FEADs are disclosed that include a hub having a sleeve defining a bore for receiving a shaft and an outer annular ring spaced radially outward from the sleeve, thereby defining an annular receptacle, a component for rotation with the hub having an inner annular ring disposed between the sleeve and the outer annular ring of the hub, and an annular cartridge seated in the annular receptacle between the inner annular ring of the component for rotation with the hub and the sleeve or outer annular ring of the hub. The annular cartridge defines a first annular groove having a generally C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional profile open radially outward, and has a first elastomer member seated therein in compression, thereby operatively coupling the component for rotation with the hub to the hub. The component may be a pulley body or an inertia member.

Abstract: Torsional vibration dampers are disclosed that have a hub having a plate extending radially outward about a shaft-receiving member, a first portion of an inertia member defining a back face and a bore therethrough and having an annular flange concentric about the axis of rotation, a first elastomeric member and a second elastomeric member positioned against opposite sides of the plate, and a second portion of the inertia member fastened to the first portion of the inertia member by one or more fasteners, thereby placing the first and second elastomeric members in compression. The shaft-receiving member of the hub is positioned in the bore with the plate of the hub spaced a distance from an interior surface of the annular flange, and the plate of the hub and the interior surfaces of each of the first and second portions of the inertia member facing the plate define dual common vertices.

Abstract: A low frequency torsional vibration damper has an annular inertia member defining an annular recess for receiving an elastomeric O-ring in a radial outer surface or a radial inner surface thereof and defining opposing annular recesses for receiving elastomeric O-rings, one each, in the top and bottom surfaces thereof, an elastomeric O-ring seated in each annular recess, and a hub defining an annular receptacle with opposing sidewalls that each comprise a plurality of spaced apart tabs permanently deformed against the plurality of elastomeric O-rings, thereby operatively coupling the hub to the inertia member for rotation together. When the inertia member defines the outer diameter of the torsional vibration damper, the hub is mountable on a shaft, and when the inertia member defines the inner diameter of the torsional vibration damper, the hub is mountable inside a shaft.