On May 15, 1946 the viscous torsional vibration damper was presented to the Society of Automotive Engineers by Bernard E. O’Connor, assistant chief engineer of the Houde Engineering Division of Houdaille-Hershey Corporation.
That’s right! 75 years ago today the original viscous damper was introduced and then patented in Buffalo, NY by who is now Vibratech TVD.
This week we’ve looked back on those years and the historic lineage that carries it through to Vibratech TVD today. What drove its invention. How manufacturing and advertising has changed. Advertising. The impact across commercial industries.
What will the next 75 years bring?
Vibratech TVD is a torsional vibration solutions provider with full research and development capabilities. Decades of experience and a wide range of industry applications allow for new viscous damper innovations to be cross-marketed. What’s proven in motorsports can be applied to defense. The extreme proving conditions of defense can lead to new uses in the growing space industry.
Vibratech TVD crankshaft damper for high temperature, low airflow marine application.
Electric drives present new challenges for driveline NVH. Vibratech TVD tuned viscous dampers that target a narrow torsional vibration range are already in use on hybrid-electric transit buses. Similar use could be applied to the growing EV market, particularly in commercial use.
Vibratech TVD hybrid electric driveline damper.
Likewise, diesel-electric locomotive manufacturers already take advantage of Vibratech TVD’s remanufacturing program to maintain reliability and reduce environmental impact. Diesel-electric configurations in potential future off-highway equipment and marine work boats can also benefit.
Energy diversification balances traditional large viscous damper use with new opportunities. Natural gas compression pumping stations continue to heat homes and businesses across large areas of North America. Genset units power remote locations and provide emergency backup to critical infrastructure. Windmills supplement our electrical grid and have unique vibration challenges.
Finally, a new patent for a high performance automotive crankshaft dampers has been awarded. It is currently in use at the highest level of international OEM endurance racing.
Automotive OEM race team aluminum damper featuring dual steel sensor pick-up integration.
The Vibratech TVD viscous damper has always been a premium quality component for long lasting powertrain durability and efficiency. Advancements in vibration modeling, materials and manufacturing quality continuously keep relevance with tomorrow’s engineering possibilities.
The future is here. Consult with Vibratech TVD on your next project.
The future is wide open. Hear it unfold.