Centered Lock-Up Clutch Assembly for Torque Converter Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrokinetic torque-coupling devices with lock-up clutches suffer from efficiency losses and increased complexity, leading to mechanical coarseness and vibrations, particularly when the clutch elements wear out, resulting in reduced refinement and increased assembly time.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a center hub with stepped portions for precise centering of components, a radial bearing, and a thrust bearing, along with a torsional vibration damper and sealing members to enhance the hydrokinetic torque-coupling device's performance by reducing vibrations and improving assembly precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a lock-up clutch is incorporated into the torque converter to recapture efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but mechanical coarseness and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
A centered clutch plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the lock-up clutch and the torque converter elements. This mediator provides a stable mounting surface that reduces vibrations and mechanical coarseness while preserving the efficiency benefits of the lock-up clutch
2Object-generated harmful factors
If elastic damping members and intermediate plates are added to reduce vibrations, then refinement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch plate is merged with the center hub assembly, integrating the vibration-reducing function into an existing structural component. This consolidation achieves vibration reduction without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple centering surfaces and stepped portions are added to the center hub, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The center hub is designed with multiple stepped portions that serve multiple functions: centering the clutch plate, supporting the lock-up clutch assembly, and providing mounting surfaces for other components. This multi-functionality achieves precise centering without proportionally increasing device complexity
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
This configuration enhances the hydrokinetic torque-coupling device's efficiency and refinement by minimizing vibrations and assembly complexity, maintaining performance even as clutch elements wear, and improving the overall drivetrain experience.
Implementation Method 1
a radial bearing
Implementation Method 2
a thrust bearing
Implementation Method 3
a torsional vibration damper
Implementation Method 4
sealing members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.