Lock-Up Clutch Sealing Gap for Torque Converter Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrodynamic torque converters with lock-up clutches face challenges in efficient cooling, leading to heat management issues and potential power losses, particularly in automotive applications where frictional losses occur.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodynamic torque converter design featuring a disk clutch with a sealing element that creates a controlled sealing gap, directing hydraulic fluid flow radially along the friction surfaces to enhance heat dissipation, while maintaining a simple production process without additional complex components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the lock-up clutch is cooled by increasing hydraulic fluid flow through the clutch, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional cooling components
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid circulation system serves dual purposes: transmitting power and cooling the clutch. The existing fluid circulation path is utilized to cool the clutch without requiring separate cooling components, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power through the torque converter and also acts as a cooling medium for the lock-up clutch. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cooling systems
2Temperature
If a sealing element is added to create a sealing gap, then flow resistance is increased and cooling is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire clutch structure, the sealing element is placed only in the specific location where flow resistance needs to be increased. This localized modification achieves the cooling effect without requiring comprehensive structural changes
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing gap modifies the flow parameters of the hydraulic fluid by increasing flow resistance in a controlled manner. This parameter change directs more fluid through the friction surfaces, improving cooling without complex mechanical modifications
3Temperature
If hydraulic fluid flow is directed radially along friction surfaces, then heat uptake is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid is utilized not only for power transmission but also for thermal management. By controlling the fluid flow path through the sealing gap, the system uses hydraulic principles to achieve both power transmission and cooling functions
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 effectively cools the lock-up clutch by increasing flow resistance and directing hydraulic fluid flow along the friction surfaces, improving heat dissipation without requiring many additional components, thus enhancing the torque converter's efficiency and reducing production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the hydraulic fluid take up substantially more heat from the disks and carries it away
Implementation Method 2
the sealing gap increases the flow resistance, for hydraulic fluid flowing through the lock-up clutch, in a controlled manner
Implementation Method 3
the disk clutch comprises a plurality of clutch disks which can be pressed against one another by the piston
Implementation Method 4
Heat energy is produced in particular in the hydrodynamic torus of the converter and, as frictional loss, at the lock-up clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrodynamic torque converter (1) with a lock-up clutch (6) in the form of a disk clutch in a clutch space (9) and with a piston (7) for actuating the lock-up clutch (6). The lock-up clutch (6) has an end disk (63) and a first disk carrier (61), on which the end disk (63) is radially and axially supported. The end disk (63) is arranged on the side of the lock-up clutch (6) remote from the piston (7). The lock-up clutch (6) has a second disk carrier (62). A sealing element (64) is provided, on the second disk carrier (62), a sealing gap (12) is formed between the end disk (63) and the sealing element (64).