Applied Development & Benefits of Camshaft Torsional Dampers

Controlling the torsional vibrations of an internal combustion engine has been a subject since the early 1900's. Some of the first torsional vibration damper patents were issued as early as the 1930s (Stamm and Knohl, 1931; Lee, 1933). These dampers were primarily used on the crankshaft. As engine technology has grown so has the need to control torsional vibrations in other areas, particularly camshafts. Overhead camshaft technology has improved the efficiencies and emissions for todays engine applications. As refinement progresses in system responsiveness a practical solution in controlling these vibration forces and anomalies can be achieved with an elastomeric camshaft torsional damper. Testing has shown that system refinement and durability is realized with the application of the camshaft damper technology in certain SOHC and DOHC engines.