Hydrokinetic Torque Coupling Variable Stiffness Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrokinetic torque coupling devices with lockup clutches face challenges in reducing spatial requirements and consolidating components, leading to inefficiencies in performance and cost, particularly due to the use of linear springs that increase hydraulic pressure demands and slow lockup response times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hydrokinetic torque coupling device with a turbine-piston and variable-stiffness bearing devices, which include a non-axially oriented spring and a substantially incompressible rolling member, exerting a variable axial force that decreases as the turbine-piston approaches the lockup mode, allowing for more energy-efficient and quicker engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If linear springs are used in the bearing device, then the structure is simple, but the hydraulic pressure requirements increase and lockup response time slows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a variable stiffness mechanism where the bearing device's stiffness changes during operation. The bearing device transitions from a softer state during engagement to a stiffer state during lockup, enabling fast response time during lockup while maintaining ride comfort during engagement. This is achieved through the interaction between the spring and damper elements that provide different characteristics at different stages of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the stiffness parameter of the bearing device dynamically. The variable stiffness characteristic allows the system to have low stiffness during engagement phase (reducing shock) and high stiffness during lockup phase (ensuring fast response and preventing premature lockup). This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and performance requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If linear springs are used in the bearing device, then the manufacturing is easy, but the hydraulic pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing a bearing device with variable stiffness characteristics that adapt during operation. The system transitions from a compliance-oriented state during engagement to a rigid state during lockup, reducing the peak hydraulic pressure required to achieve lockup while maintaining manufacturability through standardized spring and damper components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a damper element as a mediator between the spring and the turbine-piston assembly. This intermediary component absorbs excess energy and moderates the force transmission, thereby reducing the peak hydraulic pressure requirements while maintaining the simplicity of manufacturing through the use of conventional damping elements.
3Volume of moving object
If components are consolidated to reduce spatial requirements, then the device size decreases, but the functional complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the bearing device and lockup clutch into a single integrated assembly. The bearing device is positioned within the lockup clutch structure, sharing common mounting features and fluid passages. This consolidation reduces the overall device volume while the internal arrangement maintains distinct functional zones, managing the complexity through modular design within the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the bearing device components within the hollow cavity of the lockup clutch assembly. The spring and damper elements are nested within the bearing device housing, which itself is nested within the lockup clutch structure. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces overall device volume while maintaining functional independence of each component.
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 solution reduces the risk of premature lockup, decreases hydraulic pressure requirements for lockup, and enhances the energy efficiency and speed of the torque coupling process, while also consolidating components to save space and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially incompressible rolling member urged by the spring against the oblique contact surface associated with the turbine-piston
Implementation Method 2
The bearing device includes a non-axially oriented spring and a substantially incompressible rolling member urged by the spring
Implementation Method 3
a turbine-piston hydrodynamically drivable by the impeller
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrokinetic torque coupling device includes an impeller, a casing having a first engagement surface, a turbine-piston hydrodynamically drivable by the impeller, and a bearing device. The turbine-piston is axially displaceable into and out of a lockup mode. The bearing device includes a non-axially oriented spring and a substantially incompressible rolling member urged by the spring against an oblique contact surface associated with the turbine-piston to thereby exert a variable axial force against the turbine-piston shell for biasing the turbine-piston out of the lockup mode. The variable axial force exerted by the bearing device against the turbine-piston shell decreases as the turbine-piston is axially displaced towards the lockup mode.