Pivotable Stator Blades for Adjustable Torque Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stator assemblies for hydrokinetic torque converters, while functional, have limitations in performance and cost efficiency, particularly in vehicular driveline applications.
Innovation Solution
A stator assembly with a radially outer stator belt, an annular stator hub, fixed posts, and pivotable stator blades that can rotate relative to both the hub and belt, allowing for adjustable torque multiplication by pivoting the blades to change the torque ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed stator blades are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but torque multiplication cannot be adjusted and drag losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stator blades are designed to pivot about pivot axes, transforming from a static fixed-geometry component to a dynamic adjustable-geometry component. This allows the blade angle to change relative to the stator hub, enabling variable torque multiplication ratios to be achieved by adjusting the blade pivot position.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator assembly is divided into separable components: the stator hub, the stator blades, and the outer rim. The blades can be independently positioned and pivoted relative to the hub, allowing modular adjustment of the torque multiplication characteristics without redesigning the entire stator assembly.
2Loss of energy
If traditional fixed stator blades are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to increased drag losses
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable blade design allows the stator geometry to be optimized for different operating conditions. By adjusting the blade angle, the stator can maintain efficient fluid flow characteristics across a wider range of torque ratios, reducing hydrodynamic drag losses and improving fuel efficiency.
3Productivity
If pivotable stator blades are implemented, then torque multiplication becomes adjustable and performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is segmented into independently adjustable blades mounted on a hub, with each blade capable of pivoting to change its angle. This segmentation allows performance optimization without requiring a complete redesign of the entire torque converter, isolating the complexity to the stator component only.
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
Enhances the performance and cost-effectiveness of hydrokinetic torque converters by enabling adjustable torque multiplication and reducing drag losses, improving fuel efficiency and engagement of the lockup clutch.
Implementation Method 1
The stator alters oil flow returning from the turbine wheel to the impeller wheel and provides torque multiplication
Implementation Method 2
The stator is mounted on the one-way clutch, which prevents the stator from counter-rotating with respect to the prime mover but allows forward rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A stator assembly of a hydrokinetic torque converter includes a stator rotatable about an axis and having a radially outer stator belt, an annular stator hub disposed radially within the radially outer stator belt, at least one fixed post extending radially outwardly between the stator hub and the stator belt and fixed thereto so as to non-moveably secure the stator belt to the stator hub, and a plurality of pivotable stator blades extending radially outwardly between the stator hub and the stator belt and configured to pivot relative to both the stator hub and the stator belt in the direction orthogonal to the rotational axis.