Torque Converter Flow Passages for Separate Clutch Apply and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters with cross-flow hubs are expensive and complex, necessitating alternative methods for providing fluid flow paths to pressurized chambers.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design featuring a front cover, impeller assembly, turbine assembly, lock-up clutch, backing plate, and flow plate, with a through-bore and sealed chambers to create separate fluid flow paths for clutch apply and release, eliminating the need for costly cross-flow hubs and forgings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-flow hubs are used to provide fluid flow paths for clutch apply and release, then reliable fluid delivery is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow passage functions into the turbine shell itself, eliminating the need for separate cross-flow hubs. The turbine shell is designed with integrated flow passages that provide fluid paths to both the clutch apply chamber and release chamber, merging what were previously separate components into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine shell is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the turbine component for fluid coupling and as the flow distribution component for the lock-up clutch. The universal flow passages in the turbine shell deliver fluid to multiple chambers (apply chamber and release chamber) through a single component, reducing the need for specialized parts.
2Reliability
If cross-flow hubs are used to provide fluid flow paths, then proper fluid distribution is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow distribution function into the turbine shell, eliminating the need for expensive cross-flow hubs and forgings. By integrating the flow passages directly into the turbine shell, the manufacturing process is simplified and material costs are reduced while maintaining proper fluid distribution to all necessary chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flow distribution function from separate expensive components (cross-flow hubs and forgings) and integrates it directly into the turbine shell. This eliminates the need for costly intermediate parts while maintaining the necessary fluid distribution paths.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for flow paths, then reliable fluid sealing is achieved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of separate components by integrating flow passages directly into the turbine shell. This merger of functions into a single component reduces assembly steps and potential sealing interfaces while maintaining reliable fluid sealing through the integrated structure.
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 design reduces costs and complexity by creating a cross-flow configuration without forgings or costly drilling operations, while maintaining efficient fluid flow for clutch engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
A first flow path is configured to deliver pressurized fluid to the first chamber. A second flow path is configured to deliver pressurized fluid to the second chamber.
Implementation Method 2
pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the first flow path passing through the through-bore into the first chamber to displace the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter includes a front cover, an impeller assembly, a turbine assembly, a lock-up clutch, a backing plate, and a flow plate. The front cover is arranged to receive a torque. The lock-up clutch includes a piston and a seal plate disposed axially between the piston and a turbine shell. The backing plate is non-rotatably connected to the seal plate and is sealed to the piston. The flow plate is disposed axially between the backing plate and the front cover. The flow plate is non-rotatably connected to the backing plate and the front cover. A through-bore extends axially through the backing plate and the flow plate. A first chamber is bounded at least in part by the piston, the seal plate, and the backing plate, and a second chamber is bounded at least in part by the front cover, the piston, the backing plate, and the flow plate.