Modular Torque Converter Stator With Selectable Blade Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters require a separate stator for each different torque converter characteristic curve, leading to complexity and high costs due to the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and additional flow passages.
Innovation Solution
A modular stator design with blades that are selectively fixable at multiple angles, allowing for predetermination of blade angles during assembly for various applications, thereby enabling the use of a single stator in different torque converter configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate stator is cast for each different torque converter characteristic curve, then the torque converter achieves the desired hydrodynamic characteristics, but the complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is segmented into a hub, multiple interchangeable blades, and an outer ring. Each blade can be independently selected and installed in different orientations to achieve different blade angles, allowing a single stator assembly to provide multiple hydrodynamic characteristics without requiring separate stators for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator hub and outer ring are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple blades with different orientations. The blade insertion mechanism with slots and detents allows a single stator assembly to perform multiple functions by simply changing the blade orientation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized stators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is added to allow stator blade angle changes, then real-time blade angle adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade orientation is made changeable through a simple mechanical system. Blades can be rotated within the hub and locked at different angular positions using the slot-detent mechanism, providing dynamic adaptability without complex adjustment mechanisms. The blade can be inserted, rotated to the desired angle, and secured in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade angle parameter is changed by selecting different blade orientations during assembly rather than through complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. The slot-detent system allows the blade angle parameter to be modified simply by rotating the blade to a different locked position, providing adaptability through parameter selection rather than complex mechanism activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional flow passages are added to actuate the adjustment mechanism, then real-time blade angle control is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex adjustment mechanism and additional flow passages are completely removed from the design. Instead of using hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems that would require additional passages, the invention uses a simple mechanical blade insertion and locking system that requires no additional flow passages, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining blade angle control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade orientation is determined and locked during assembly without requiring external actuation systems. The blade itself, through its interaction with the slot-detent mechanism in the hub, provides its own positioning and locking function, eliminating the need for external flow passages and actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular stator for a torque converter includes a stator hub, an outer ring, and a plurality of blades extending radially between the stator hub and the outer ring. Each blade is releasably securable to the stator hub in at least two different orientations. A blade angle of the plurality of blades can be predetermined by selecting one of the at least two orientations. A lock member secures each blade at the selected orientation.