Split Drive Plate Assembly for Torque Converter Rotor Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The geometry of existing torque converter assemblies restricts the clearance around the rotor, leading to insufficient magnetization during assembly due to interference from the drive plate.
Innovation Solution
A modified drive plate configuration with a split arrangement of first and second drive plate elements connected via fasteners, spacer plates for rotational locking, and adhesive or epoxy for secure attachment, allowing increased clearance for rotor magnetization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single drive plate is used to secure the rotor to the torque converter cover, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the clearance around the rotor is insufficient preventing proper magnetization
Solution Approach 1:
The drive plate is divided into a first drive plate element and a second drive plate element that are positioned on opposite sides of the rotor. This segmentation allows the rotor to have sufficient clearance for magnetization while still being securely held by both plate elements, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and magnetization clearance.
2Strength
If the drive plate is positioned close to the rotor to ensure secure attachment, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the rotor cannot be properly magnetized due to insufficient clearance
Solution Approach 1:
By placing drive plate elements on both sides of the rotor, the attachment strength is distributed across multiple contact points. This allows each plate element to be positioned closer to the rotor for strong attachment while the overall arrangement maintains sufficient clearance for magnetization.
Solution Approach 2:
A spacer element is introduced between the drive plate elements and the rotor. This intermediary component ensures secure mechanical attachment while maintaining the necessary clearance for magnetization, resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and magnetization clearance.
3Ease of operation
If a modified drive plate configuration with multiple elements is used to provide clearance for magnetization, then the magnetization process is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive plate is segmented into two elements that can be positioned on opposite sides of the rotor. This segmentation provides the necessary clearance for magnetization while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second drive plate elements are connected together to form an integrated assembly that functions as a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity while still providing the necessary clearance for magnetization.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive arrangement for a torque converter is disclosed herein. The drive arrangement includes a first drive plate element configured to be connected to a torque converter cover and configured to secure a rotor of an electric motor against the torque converter cover. A second drive plate element is configured to be connected to a flex plate, and the first and second drive plate elements are connected to each other.