Hybrid Module Compensation Chamber for Torque Converter Clutch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid modules with torque converters and electric motors face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting the rotor from the engine crankshaft, leading to inefficiencies in torque transmission and dynamic pressure imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid module design incorporating a rotor input clutch with a piston and clutch plates, a compensation chamber assembly, and a torque converter, where the compensation chamber is radially offset from the apply chamber to apply a counteracting force via fluid pressure, allowing for selective engagement and disengagement of the rotor with the engine crankshaft and bypassing the torque converter when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotor input clutch is used to connect/disconnect the rotor from the engine crankshaft, then selective engagement control is improved, but dynamic pressure imbalances occur causing inefficiencies in torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation chamber assembly functions as a counterbalance mechanism, generating opposing fluid pressure to counteract the dynamic pressure imbalances created during clutch engagement and disengagement. This balances the forces acting on the piston, eliminating the energy losses associated with unbalanced pressure conditions while preserving selective engagement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation chamber assembly acts as an intermediary pressure control mechanism between the apply chamber and the piston. It mediates the fluid pressure forces, introducing a compensating pressure that offsets dynamic imbalances and ensures efficient torque transmission during clutch operation transitions.
2Volume of moving object
If the compensation chamber is radially offset from the apply chamber, then space efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation chamber is positioned in a radial direction offset from the axial apply chamber, utilizing the radial dimension to accommodate the compensation function. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement optimizes space utilization within the clutch assembly while managing the structural complexity through deliberate dimensional placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation chamber assembly is integrated within the existing clutch structure, with the compensation chamber nested within or adjacent to the apply chamber configuration. This nesting approach allows both chambers to coexist in a compact arrangement, improving space efficiency while containing the structural complexity within a unified assembly.
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 enhances torque transmission efficiency by allowing precise control of the rotor's connection to the engine crankshaft and reduces dynamic pressure effects, improving the overall performance and space efficiency of the hybrid module.
Implementation Method 1
The compensation chamber assembly is configured for applying a force on the piston in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction via a pressure increase of fluid in the compensation chamber
Implementation Method 2
The compensation chamber assembly may define a reservoir radially inside of the compensation chamber for pressurizing fluid to the compensation chamber via rotation of the compensation chamber assembly and the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid module configured for arrangement in a torque path upstream from a transmission and downstream from an internal combustion engine includes an electric motor including a rotor and a stator for driving the rotor, a torque converter downstream of the electric motor, and a rotor input clutch including a piston and at least one clutch plate. The piston is configured for being pressed in a first axial direction into the at least one clutch plate via a pressure increase of fluid in an apply chamber. The hybrid module also includes a compensation chamber assembly. The compensation chamber assembly and the piston define a compensation chamber radially offset from the apply chamber. The compensation chamber assembly is configured for applying a force on the piston in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction via a pressure increase of fluid in the compensation chamber.