Lock-up Clutch Regulator Valve for Torque Converter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-line torque converter designs face challenges in cooling and require complex control systems, making them inefficient at high operational speeds and difficult to manufacture with simple hardware.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a lock-up clutch regulator control valve that directs fluid to either the torque converter or a pressure regulator valve to control the engagement of the lock-up clutch plate, allowing for efficient fluid management and pressure regulation to optimize torque transfer at varying speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-line torque converter is used with simple hardware, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but control complexity increases and cooling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A regulator valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the two-line torque converter system. This valve controls fluid pressure to the lock-up clutch, enabling simple hardware to achieve sophisticated control functionality. The regulator valve mediates between the single fluid line and the lock-up clutch, providing precise pressure control without requiring complex multi-line hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator valve serves multiple functions within the two-line torque converter: it controls lock-up clutch engagement, regulates fluid pressure, and enables both hydrodynamic and direct coupling operations through a single component. This multi-functionality allows simple hardware to perform complex control tasks that would otherwise require additional dedicated components.
2Ease of manufacture
If a two-line torque converter is used with simple hardware, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but cooling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator valve acts as a mediator that controls fluid flow and pressure to the lock-up clutch, enabling thermal management in the two-line system. By precisely controlling when and how the clutch engages and disengages, the system can dissipate heat more effectively during hydrodynamic operation while maintaining simple hardware architecture.
3Ease of operation
If a three-line torque converter is used, then control ease is improved, but hardware complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple fluid lines into a single two-line architecture. The regulator valve consolidates the control functions that would traditionally require separate hydraulic lines, combining pressure regulation, flow control, and clutch actuation into one integrated system with fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fluid line in the two-line system is designed to perform multiple functions: powering the turbine, controlling the lock-up clutch via the regulator valve, and enabling both hydrodynamic and direct coupling modes. This universal approach replaces the specialized multi-line system with a more compact, simpler hardware design.
4Device complexity
If a two-line torque converter is used, then hardware simplicity is improved, but performance optimization across complete work range becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator valve introduces dynamic pressure control to the two-line torque converter, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics across different operating conditions. By varying fluid pressure to the lock-up clutch based on operational demands, the system optimizes performance across the complete work range while maintaining simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in fluid pressure controlled by the regulator valve to optimize performance. By adjusting pressure parameters dynamically, the two-line torque converter achieves optimal engagement characteristics of the lock-up clutch across varying speeds and loads, matching the performance of more complex systems.
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 approach enables a two-line system with simple hardware that is easy to control, providing optimal performance across the complete work range of the torque converter while minimizing cooling issues and complexity, thus enhancing efficiency and performance at high operational speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure regulator valve causes pressure in the torque converter to increase to urge the clutch plate into engagement with the impeller housing
Implementation Method 2
a friction-type lining, or a clutch system, is provided. The friction-type lining of the plate, or the clutch system, is selectively located in contact with the impeller cover of the torque converter to selectively lock the turbine to the impeller cover
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter lock-up clutch may be controlled by a lock-up clutch regulator control valve. The valve is utilized to selectively direct a fluid to the torque converter or to a pressure regulator valve. For example, in a hydrodynamic condition of the torque converter, the valve permits fluid to flow to the torque converter. In a lock-up condition of the torque converter, the valve directs fluid to a pressure regulator valve which selectively permits pressure to build in the torque converter.