Fluid Coupling Rotor Key Structure for Unitary Starting Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing starting devices with a torque converter and electric motor lack a method to appropriately attach the rotor of the electric motor to the outer peripheral surface of the fluid coupling.
Innovation Solution
A starting device configuration that includes a fluid coupling, an electric motor, and a restriction mechanism. The restriction mechanism features a key body with first and second key portions that fit into corresponding key grooves on the rotor and fluid coupling, respectively, ensuring unitary rotation and secure attachment of the rotor to the fluid coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotor is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fluid coupling, then unitary rotation is achieved, but the attachment method is unknown and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The key body is divided into multiple key portions (first key portion and second key portion) that fit into corresponding key grooves on different components. This segmentation allows the attachment mechanism to be distributed across multiple interfaces, making the overall attachment system more reliable and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The key body acts as an intermediary element between the rotor and the fluid coupling. Instead of directly attaching the rotor to the fluid coupling, the key body mediates the connection by fitting into key grooves on both components, providing a reliable and implementable attachment solution.
2Strength
If the second key groove is provided on both the cover and impeller, then the attachment is more secure, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second key groove is selectively provided only on one component (either the cover or the impeller, but not both). This local quality approach concentrates the attachment function at a specific location rather than distributing it uniformly, achieving sufficient attachment strength while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure is designed asymmetrically, with the second key groove located on only one of the two components. This asymmetric design simplifies the overall structure by eliminating redundant features while maintaining the necessary attachment strength through the strategic placement of the key groove on the component with greater outer diameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A starting device includes a fluid coupling, an electric motor, and a restriction mechanism. The electric motor includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor is disposed radially outside the fluid coupling. The restriction mechanism restricts relative rotation between the fluid coupling and the rotor. The restriction mechanism includes a first key groove, a second key groove, and a key body. The first key groove is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the rotor to extend in an axial direction. The second key groove is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the fluid coupling to extend in the axial direction. The second key groove is lesser in length than the first key groove. The key body includes a first key portion and a second key portion. The first key portion is fitted to the first key groove. The second key portion is fitted to the second key groove.