Torque Converter Piston Plate Stop Leaf Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing torque converters experience wear on the piston plate and turbine hub due to uncontrolled axial displacement of the piston plate during the release state, leading to detrimental contact and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A piston plate stop mechanism utilizing a flexible connection element, such as a leaf spring, with a stop feature to restrict axial movement of the piston plate, preventing contact with the turbine hub by rotationally connecting the piston plate and cover, and incorporating a tab or rivet mechanism to limit axial displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the piston plate is allowed to move axially freely during the release state, then the torque converter can operate with rotational freedom, but wear occurs on the piston plate and turbine hub due to uncontrolled contact
Solution Approach 1:
A stop mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the piston plate and turbine hub. This stop limits the axial displacement of the piston plate, preventing direct contact with the turbine hub while allowing necessary rotational movement. The stop acts as a mediator that controls the interaction between moving components, eliminating harmful contact without restricting operational freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful contact between the piston plate and turbine hub is eliminated by extracting the uncontrolled axial movement degree of freedom. The stop mechanism removes the excessive displacement capability, allowing only the necessary rotational movement while preventing the harmful axial contact that causes wear.
2Reliability
If a stop mechanism is added to limit axial displacement of the piston plate, then wear is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is merged with the existing flexible connection element (leaf spring) that rotatorily connects the piston plate to the cover. By integrating the stop function into the already-present flexible connection structure, the design avoids adding a completely separate component, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving wear prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connection element serves multiple functions: it provides rotational connection between the piston plate and cover, allows axial movement for torque converter operation, and incorporates a stop feature to prevent excessive axial displacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
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
The solution effectively prevents wear on the piston plate and turbine hub by limiting axial displacement, enhancing the torque converter's operational life and efficiency by ensuring controlled movement during the release state.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible connection element with a first end and a second end, the first end arranged to connect to a piston plate for the torque converter, the second end arranged to rotationally connect to a cover for the torque converter; wherein the flexible connection element comprises a leaf spring
Data Source
AI summary
A piston plate stop for a torque converter including: a flexible connection element with a first end and a second end, the first end arranged to connect to a piston plate for the torque converter, the second end arranged to rotationally connect to a cover for the torque converter and a stop disposed on the flexible connection element. The stop is arranged to restrict axial movement of the piston plate. In some aspects, the flexible connection element is arranged to rotationally connect the cover and the piston plate. A torque converter including a piston plate; a cover; and at least one flexible connection element rotationally connecting the piston plate and the cover. The flexible connection element has a tab that is positioned to limit axial displacement of the piston plate away from the cover.