Radially Extending Connectors Thrust Washer Axial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrust washers face challenges in efficiently reducing wear-causing friction in motor vehicle drivetrains, particularly in designs where axial space is limited, due to their axial attachment mechanisms which may not effectively manage radial forces and fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A thrust washer design featuring radially extending connectors with circumferentially extending clips that attach to lanced features on neighboring components, allowing for secure radial attachment and fluid flow management, while minimizing axial space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If axial attachment mechanisms are used in conventional thrust washers, then the washer can be attached to components, but the design occupies excessive axial space and fails to effectively manage radial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial attachment to radial attachment by extending connectors radially outward from the thrust washer body. These connectors include clips that engage with tabs on the component, thereby attaching the washer in the radial direction rather than axially, which reduces axial space occupation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending attachment features axially as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by extending connectors radially outward. This inversion allows the attachment mechanism to function effectively in the radial direction, addressing both the space constraint and attachment reliability requirements.
2Force
If axial attachment mechanisms are used in conventional thrust washers, then the washer can be attached to components, but radial forces are not effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses radial force management by orienting the attachment mechanism in the radial direction. The connectors extend radially and the clips engage with tabs to directly resist radial forces, rather than relying on axial attachment mechanisms that are less effective at managing radial loads.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional axial attachment mechanisms are used, then the thrust washer can be installed, but fluid flow is not effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the attachment orientation from axial to radial, the patent creates space in the axial direction for fluid flow channels. The radial connectors and clips engage with tabs in a configuration that allows fluid to flow axially through the thrust washer, improving lubrication and cooling while the attachment mechanism itself remains relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust washer is provided. The thrust washer includes an annular base including a radially extending thrust surface, a further radially extending surface on an opposite side of the annular base from the radially extending thrust surface, an outer circumferential surface extending axially from the radially extending thrust surface to the further radially extending surface and an inner circumferential surface extending axially from the radially extending thrust surface to the further radially extending surface. The thrust washer also includes radially extending connectors extending radially outward from the annular base. A motor vehicle drivetrain assembly, a torque converter and a method of connecting a thrust washer to a component are also provided.