Rivet Joint Annular Ridge Seal for Leak-Tight Torque Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rivet connections in torque converters are prone to leakage due to complex assembly processes and require significant labor, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of an annular ridge and recess in workpieces, allowing a rivet to deform and create a hermetic seal during assembly, which also rotationally locks the components together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rivet connections are used between torque converter components, then the components can be joined together, but fluid leakage occurs along the rivet and significant labor costs and assembly time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and joining function into a single integrated rivet system. The rivet includes a sealant delivery mechanism that applies sealing material during the riveting process, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations and reducing assembly time while preventing fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant is pre-loaded into the rivet body before assembly. During the riveting process, the sealant is automatically delivered to the sealing surface as the rivet is installed, performing the sealing action in advance before fluid pressure is applied, thus preventing leakage without requiring additional assembly steps.
2Reliability
If multiple separate operations are used for sealing and joining, then reliable sealing can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and requires significant labor
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs joining, sealing, and fastening functions. The single rivet structure includes both the mechanical fastening elements and the sealant delivery mechanism, allowing one component to replace multiple separate sealing and joining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet system is self-contained with the sealant already loaded in the rivet body. During installation, the rivet automatically delivers the sealant to the sealing surface without requiring external sealing materials or additional sealing operations, making the system self-sufficient and simplifying the overall assembly process.
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 method forms a hermetic seal without additional processing steps, preventing fluid leakage and simplifying assembly by integrating the seal with the riveting process, while maintaining high pressure integrity.
Implementation Method 1
forming a hermetic seal between the first and second workpieces by deforming the annular ridge within the annular recess through application of compressive force
Implementation Method 2
application of compressive force to at least one of the first or second workpieces
Data Source
AI summary
A method of joining a first and second workpiece including forming a first bore in a first workpiece and an annular ridge surrounding the first bore, forming a second bore in a second workpiece and an annular recess surrounding the second bore, placing the first workpiece in contact with the second workpiece such that the annular ridge is received in the annular recess, and forming a hermetic seal between the first and second workpieces by deforming the annular ridge within the annular recess through application of compressive force to at least one of the first or second workpieces.