Torque Converter Side Plate Neck for Inner Race Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque converters with side plates face durability issues due to inadequate bearing support, and adding thickness or lancings to address this problem either increases manufacturing costs or weakens the side plate's structure.
Innovation Solution
A side plate design with a neck extending axially from its inner race, which contacts and supports the one-way clutch inner race, providing additional bearing support without adding material or cost, while maintaining centering functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the side plate thickness is increased to improve bearing support, then the bearing support and durability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The side plate is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first annular surface for bearing support, a second annular surface for clutch engagement, and a neck portion for centering. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without requiring increased thickness throughout the entire side plate, thus maintaining durability while controlling manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the side plate are given different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions. The first annular surface provides bearing support, the neck provides centering with the inner race, and the second annular surface engages the outer race. This local optimization ensures adequate support where needed without adding material cost throughout the entire component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If lancings are added to the side plate to center the inner race, then the centering function is improved, but the structural strength of the side plate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The centering function is extracted from the main body of the side plate and implemented as a separate neck portion extending from the first annular surface. This neck is specifically designed to contact the inner race for centering, while the main side plate body maintains its structural integrity without being weakened by lancings or other centering features.
3Ease of manufacture
If the side plate design is simplified to reduce manufacturing cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the bearing support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side plate is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides bearing support through the first annular surface, centering through the neck portion, and clutch engagement through the second annular surface. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple features into a single component, reducing the need for additional parts and assembly steps, thereby controlling manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate bearing support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A side plate utilized in a torque converter, comprising a first annular surface, a second annular surface opposite the first annular surface, an outer race defining an outer peripheral of the first and second annular surface, an inner race defining an inner peripheral of the first and second annular surface, and a neck extending axially away from the second annular surface and located along the inner race.