Curved Impeller Vanes for Torque-Multiplying Fluid Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplings for vehicle transmissions are complex due to the number of moving parts, necessitating a simplified design that maintains torque multiplication benefits similar to those provided by a stator in torque converters.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling design featuring a curved perimeter section of impeller vanes that directs fluid at an angle into a turbine, increasing torque transfer, with optional metal plates and toroidal front covers to optimize fluid flow and torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a stator is added to multiply torque, then torque multiplication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the stator component from the torque converter, removing the complex three-element planetary gear mechanism while retaining torque multiplication functionality through a simplified two-element design with curved impeller vanes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque multiplication mechanism (stator with one-way clutch) with a fluid dynamic solution using curved impeller vanes that redirect fluid flow to achieve torque multiplication without additional moving parts
2Power
If impeller vanes are curved to direct fluid at an angle, then torque transfer is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved geometry to the impeller vanes, specifically designing the vanes with a curvature radius that is 5-15% of the impeller outer diameter, optimizing fluid flow direction while maintaining manufacturability through standardized curvature ratios
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 design simplifies the fluid coupling while maintaining increased torque transfer efficiency by angling impeller vane ends and using metal plates to control fluid flow, enhancing torque multiplication without the complexity of multiple moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid coupling uses an impeller and a turbine, usually within a housing with a working fluid. The impeller acts on the working fluid to rotate the fluid within the housing. The fluid then transfers that torque to the turbine vanes by acting on the turbine vanes to begin rotating the turbine.
Implementation Method 2
A perimeter section of each of the plurality of impeller vanes curving toward the first direction to direct the fluid into the turbine at an angle that applies increased torque to the turbine.
Implementation Method 3
The fluid then transfers that torque to the turbine vanes by acting on the turbine vanes to begin rotating the turbine. In a vehicle, the turbine is connected to a drive shaft to drive the wheels of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
The fluid coupling of the present disclosure transmits torque by a fluid in a variable speed transmission. The fluid coupling comprises a front cover and a back cover, and the front cover and the back cover forming a chamber. The fluid coupling includes a plurality of impeller vanes are located on the back cover and the back cover is configured to rotate in a first direction. The fluid coupling also includes a turbine having a plurality of turbine vanes located within the chamber. The ends of each of the plurality of impeller vanes are curved in the first direction to direct flow of the fluid into the plurality of turbine vanes at a sharper angle thereby increasing torque applied to the turbine.