Power Transmission Apparatus with Selective Clutch and Torque Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmitting apparatuses for vehicles face challenges in combining the torque amplifying function of torque converter type systems with the efficiency of clutch type systems, leading to increased complexity, size, and cost, as well as decreased starting performance and power transmitting efficiency during steady operation.
Innovation Solution
A power transmitting apparatus is configured with a hydraulic torque converter, two clutch devices, and a selecting device that allows for selective operation based on vehicle conditions, using a coaxial arrangement of driving shafts and a damper mechanism to reduce size and improve efficiency, and includes a third clutch for reverse operation, enabling the combination of torque amplifying and efficient power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a torque converter type system is used to improve starting performance through torque amplifying function, then starting performance is improved, but power transmitting efficiency deteriorates during steady operation due to slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between torque converter mode and clutch mode based on operating conditions. During starting, the torque converter provides torque amplification; during steady operation, the clutch engages to eliminate slippage and improve efficiency. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between starting performance and steady-state efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter by switching between two different power transmission paths: one through the torque converter (for high torque multiplication at low speeds) and one through the clutch (for direct coupling at steady speeds). This parameter change allows optimization of both starting performance and steady-state efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If a clutch type system is used to improve power transmitting efficiency by eliminating slippage, then power transmitting efficiency is improved, but starting performance deteriorates due to lack of torque amplifying function
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate clutch device based on operating conditions. During starting, the first clutch device engages the torque converter for torque amplification; during steady operation, the second clutch device provides direct coupling for efficient power transmission. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction between efficiency and starting performance.
3Loss of energy
If a combined torque converter and clutch type system is used to provide both torque amplifying function and efficient power transmission, then both starting performance and power transmitting efficiency are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque converter and clutch devices into a single integrated power transmission system with a common input shaft and selectable output paths. This merging allows both torque amplification and efficient direct coupling within one system, improving both starting performance and steady-state efficiency while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The first clutch device serves multiple functions: it can engage the torque converter for starting, and also participate in steady-state operation. The second clutch device provides direct coupling for efficient power transmission. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both torque amplification and efficiency improvement without requiring entirely separate systems.
4Loss of energy
If the lock-up clutch is made movable between connected and non-connected positions within the torque converter, then both torque amplifying function and efficient power transmission are achieved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the clutch mechanism into two separate clutch devices rather than using a single movable lock-up clutch within the torque converter. This segmentation simplifies the design of each individual clutch, making them easier to manufacture and maintain while still achieving both torque amplification and efficient power transmission through selective engagement.
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 reduces the complexity and size of the power transmitting apparatus, improves starting performance, and enhances power transmitting efficiency during steady operation while minimizing load on the engine and improving fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic torque converter
Implementation Method 2
a damper mechanism for damping torque variation
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmitting apparatus for transmitting power from a driving source of a vehicle to its wheels can be adapted to properly select transmitting or cutting-off of the driving force of the driving source to or from the wheels. The apparatus can comprise a torque converter having a torque amplifying function; a clutch mechanism including a first clutch device operable on advancement of the vehicle and adapted to transmit the driving force of the driving source to the wheels through a power transmitting system of the torque converter and a second clutch device adapted to transmit the driving force of the driving source to the wheels without the power transmitting system of the torque converter. A selecting device can be configured to operate the first clutch device and/or the second clutch device in accordance with operation modes of the vehicle, including starting.