Three-Pass Torque Converter With Integrated Turbine Clutch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque converters with integrated turbine clutches face challenges in cost and complexity, as well as limited controllability due to their architecture, which affects the efficiency and precision of clutch engagement and disengagement.
Innovation Solution
The torque converter design incorporates three fluid passages and a seal plate to form an additional chamber, providing improved clutch controllability by allowing precise pressure control through separate fluid paths for clutch engagement and disengagement, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional torque converter architecture with integrated turbine clutch is used, then the device structure is compact, but the clutch controllability is limited and the system complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid coupling system into three distinct pressure chambers (first, second, and third pressure chambers) with separate fluid passages, allowing independent control of clutch engagement and disengagement. This segmentation enables precise controllability while managing system complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional axial dimension by positioning the reaction plate axially between the front cover and turbine shell, creating three pressure chambers along the axial direction. This dimensional arrangement allows separate fluid paths for clutch control, improving controllability without significantly increasing radial or circumferential complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separate fluid passages for clutch engagement and disengagement are implemented, then clutch controllability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a sealing surface, defines pressure chambers, and provides mounting for the turbine shell. The seal plate similarly performs sealing and structural support functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, managing complexity while enabling separate fluid passages for improved clutch controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing and structural functions into integrated components like the reaction plate and seal plate. These components simultaneously provide sealing surfaces, define pressure chambers, and offer structural support, thereby reducing overall component count and complexity while maintaining the capability for separate fluid passages.
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 design enhances clutch controllability and reduces costs by simplifying the architecture, enabling more precise control over clutch engagement and disengagement, improving overall efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure chamber is defined axially between the reaction plate and the turbine shell, a second pressure chamber is defined axially between the turbine shell and the impeller shell
Implementation Method 2
turbine shell axially movable to frictionally engage the impeller shell such that the turbine shell forms a piston of a lock-up clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter comprises a front cover, an impeller including an impeller shell fixed to the front cover, and a turbine including a turbine shell axially movable to frictionally engage the impeller shell such that the turbine shell forms a piston of a lock-up clutch. A reaction plate is positioned axially between the front cover and the turbine shell. A first pressure chamber is defined axially between the reaction plate and the turbine shell, a second pressure chamber is defined axially between the turbine shell and the impeller shell, and a third pressure chamber is defined axially between the reaction plate and the front cover. An output hub includes a first bore and a second bore radially offset from each other, wherein the first bore is in fluid communication with the first pressure chamber and the second bore is in fluid communication with the third pressure chamber.