Centered Lock-Up Clutch Layout for Smoother Torque Converter Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrokinetic torque-coupling devices with lock-up clutches experience efficiency losses and refinement degradation due to increased complexity, vibration, and noise issues, particularly when the clutch elements wear out and tolerances change.
Innovation Solution
A hydrokinetic torque-coupling device with a casing, impeller, and turbine wheels, featuring a lock-up clutch with a piston and piston housing member, and hydraulic fluid passages for smooth transition between fluid and mechanical torque transmission, along with a torsional vibration damper to mitigate vibrations and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a lock-up clutch is added to recapture efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lock-up clutch assembly with the torque converter housing into a single integrated unit. The clutch housing is formed as one piece with the torque converter housing, eliminating separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the efficiency benefits of the lock-up clutch
Solution Approach 2:
The torque converter housing serves multiple functions: it contains the hydrokinetic torque coupling mechanism, houses the lock-up clutch assembly, and provides structural support for the entire device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate housing components, thereby reducing device complexity
2Object-generated harmful factors
If elastic damping members and intermediate plates are added to reduce vibration, then refinement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate plate and elastic damping members from the design, using a direct lock-up clutch mechanism instead. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces device complexity while the lock-up clutch itself addresses vibration issues through direct mechanical coupling when engaged
3Reliability
If clutch elements are worn and tolerances change, then reliability decreases, but device complexity increases to compensate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a compensating mechanism that anticipates wear and tolerance changes in the clutch elements. The design includes features that automatically adjust for wear, maintaining reliable operation throughout the service life of the clutch without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or replacement procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances efficiency and refinement by reducing mechanical coarseness and noise, maintaining performance and cost-effectiveness through improved hydraulic and mechanical design, while simplifying assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic fluid passage formed axially through the driven shaft, a second hydraulic fluid passage formed radially between the stationary stator shaft and the driven shaft, and a third hydraulic fluid passage formed radially adjacent to the stationary stator shaft
Implementation Method 2
a friction device disposed axially between the lockup piston and the cover shell
Implementation Method 3
along with a torsional vibration damper to mitigate vibrations and noise
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrokinetic torque-coupling device includes an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel, a stator, a casing, a stationary shaft operatively coupled to the stator so that a driven shaft axially extends through the stationary shaft, a first fluid passage formed axially through the driven shaft, a second fluid passage formed between the stationary shaft and the driven shaft, a third fluid passage formed radially adjacent to the stationary shaft, and a lock-up clutch including a piston housing member non-moveably attached to a center hub of the casing, and a lockup piston mounted to the center hub so as to be axially movable along the center hub. The first fluid passage hydraulically connected to a first hydraulic chamber. The second fluid passage hydraulically connected to a second hydraulic chamber. The third fluid passage hydraulically connected to a torus chamber defined between the impeller shell and the turbine shell.