Torque Converter Thrust Washer Tabs for Retention Without Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thrust washers in torque converters require additional material and complexity due to the need for axial retention and anti-rotation features like retaining clips and anti-rotation pegs, increasing costs and complexity, and direct riveting without these features can lead to cracking.

Innovation Solution

A thrust washer design with radially extending tabs that nest within recessed portions of the turbine hub, combining axial and radial retention with anti-rotation functions, reducing material usage and eliminating the need for separate clips and pegs, while allowing riveting without structural compromise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional retaining clips and anti-rotation pegs are used to retain the thrust washer, then axial and radial retention is achieved, but material usage and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial and radial retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple retention functions (axial retention, radial retention, and anti-rotation) into a single integrated thrust washer geometry. The curved edges and tab structures perform multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate retaining clips and anti-rotation pegs, thus reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust washer is designed with multi-functional features where the curved edges provide both axial retention and anti-rotation capabilities, while the tabs provide both radial retention and positioning functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving all necessary retention objectives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional retaining clips and anti-rotation pegs are used, then retention is achieved, but additional material and costs are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial and radial retentionVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple retention features into a single thrust washer component, eliminating the need for separate retaining clips and anti-rotation pegs. This integration reduces the total material quantity required while achieving the same retention reliability through clever geometric design of the thrust washer edges and tabs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If direct riveting is performed without retention features, then manufacturing is simplified, but cracking and structural failure occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates retention features (curved edges and tabs) into the thrust washer design before the riveting process. These pre-built features prevent cracking and structural failure during riveting by providing proper stress distribution and retention, allowing direct riveting to proceed without causing damage while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11181176B2Thrust washer assembly for a torque converter

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A turbine assembly includes a turbine shell, turbine hub, and a thrust washer. The turbine hub is coupled to the turbine shell via a fastener. The thrust washer is disposed on the turbine hub and includes at least one tab configured to contact the fastener. The fastener axially and radially retains the thrust washer on the turbine hub.