Patent ID: 8579713
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: F16D,F16F

Abstract:
1. A torsional damper assembly for transmitting torque between a prime mover of a powertrain and an input of a transmission, the torsional damper assembly comprising: an input mass configured to operatively connect to the prime mover for common rotation therewith; an output mass configured to operatively connect to the input of the transmission for common rotation therewith; a damping element interposed between the input mass and the output mass, the damping element operable to translate torque between the input mass and the output mass and to dampen oscillation generated by the prime mover, wherein the damping element is configured to permit the input and output masses to rotate relative to each over a limited angular distance; a bypass clutch configured to couple the input and output masses together for common rotation when engaged during a first speed range to minimize amplified vibrations and pulsations caused by the prime mover, the damping element, and the input and output masses; and a bypass clutch release lever pivotally connected to the output mass, the bypass clutch release lever having a biasing portion and a weighted end, wherein the bypass clutch release lever is operable to pivotally rotate relative to the output mass and the biasing portion is operable to bias the bypass clutch away from the input mass to disengage the bypass clutch when the bypass clutch release lever is acted on by a predetermined magnitude of centrifugal force during a second speed range to permit damping by the damping element.