Torsional Vibration Damper Introduction

The engineering challenges of developing an OEM high performance engine are increasingly complex. Design requirements include generating more power from a smaller displacement, combined with airflow restrictions under the hood, while meeting long life durability.

All three are intertwined with controlling crankshaft torsional vibration. This back-and-forth oscillation of the crankshaft along its rotational axis is due to combustion forces. It is particularly critical at engine speeds where resonance can amplify the torsional amplitude forces. If left unchecked, torsional vibration contributes to engine failure.

Race Industry Now presented by EPARTRADE.com recently featured an hour segment dedicated to vibration control.  The open format episode focused on building durability across the powertrain. From race cars, to off-road, and even tow rigs.  Guests included:

Future Advancements

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?

Protecting The Engines That Move The World

The Houde Engineering Division of Houdaille-Hershey Corproation set out to apply their 'viscous rotary damper' to internal combustion engines.  Primarily in light-duty automobiles and heavy-duty commercial trucks.  The potential proved to be much, much greater.

Advertising Through The Decades

Advertising presents a brand and distills its value to its clearest form.  In a short space it must grab your attention, create awareness and persuade you to action.  There has been advertising since the inception of the Houdaille viscous torsional vibration damper in 1946.  Scroll on for a fun glimpse of well-crafted product marketing through the lense of media art and social-economic change.

Viscous Torsional Vibration Damper Manufacturing:  Then and Now.

The viscous torsional vibration damper has evolved with advancements in manufacturing.  From production on manual lathes to high speed robotic machining cells.  Today, quality systems deliver repeatable accuracy.  Reduction by design and remanufacturing programs minimizes environmental impact.  Last, research and developing new proprietary technologies push the use of viscous dampers in extreme environments.  Vibratech TVD is the leader powertrain OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers source to help solve their torsional vibration challenges.

Invention To Innovation: the Houdaille Torsional Vibration Damper

V-J Day August 15, 1945 and the resulting peace treaty marked an end to World War II.  A new era of life began in America.  Industries would apply the technology advancements of the war to commercial use.  Inter-city trucking began to compete against railroads to speed commerce and help build a new economy.  Now if only commercial diesel truck engines had optimal vibration control for prolonged durability.

Introduction

May 15, 2021 marks a milestone for Vibratech TVD.  75 years ago, Bernard E. O'Connor presented his technical paper, "The Viscous Rotary Damper: As Applied to the Crankshaft of An Internal Combustion Engine" to the Society of Automotive Engineers in Buffalo, New York.

EPARTRADE.com and RACER.com have teamed up to present Online Race Industry Week. November 30 thru December 4. Dozens of race industry suppliers are providing 55 hours of live technical and business webinars, and RACER.com will host 15 live panels of race industry leaders.

As Vibratech TVD continues to supply OE customers as an 'essential' manufacturer during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also taken the moment to review our replacement parts catalog to best supply service centers.  Heavy Duty parts and service managers now have two excellent Vibratech TVD damper choices for servicing their Cummins ISX / X15 owners.