Cast Centering Sleeve With Fluid Grooves for Torque Converters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centering sleeves for torque converter assemblies are costly to produce due to the need for sufficient durability and multiple functional attributes, such as connection to the torque converter cover and fluid groove configurations.

Innovation Solution

A centering sleeve configuration featuring a hub with a central opening, radially extending flanges with connection regions, and fluid grooves on axial ends, formed via casting from aluminum, which enhances durability and functional capabilities while reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If centering sleeves are formed via stamping or forging to provide sufficient durability and multiple functions, then reliability and functional capability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single centering sleeve component: connection to torque converter cover via flange with connection regions, fluid management through integrated fluid grooves, and bearing support through the hub structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate stamped or forged components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining durability through a unified cast structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centering sleeve is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) structural connection to the torque converter cover through the radially extending flange with connection regions, (2) fluid management through fluid grooves on axial ends, and (3) bearing support for the input shaft through the hub with bearing surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If centering sleeve provides multiple functions including connection to cover and fluid management, then functional capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated hub structure: the connection flange, fluid grooves, and bearing surfaces are all part of one cast component rather than separate parts. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple discrete components while maintaining full functional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12331817B2Centering sleeve for torque converter assembly

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

In one aspect, a centering sleeve is disclosed herein that includes a hub defining a central opening extending in an axial direction between a first axial end and a second axial end. At least one of the first axial end or the second axial end includes a plurality of fluid grooves on an axially outer surface. Both the first axial end and the second axial end can include the plurality of fluid grooves.