Torque Converter Casing Airflow for Slip Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units with torque converters experience heat generation issues due to differential speeds and slip states, necessitating an effective cooling solution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a torque converter casing with air intake and discharge ports to facilitate air circulation for heat exchange, where fresh air is supplied and heated air is utilized to cool the torque converter, and optionally directed to a battery or vehicle cab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the torque converter operates with differential speeds or lock-up clutch slip, then torque amplification is achieved, but heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts heat from the torque converter through air intake ports and discharge ports, converting the harmful heat generated during torque amplification into a beneficial resource for heating the battery and vehicle cab, thus resolving the thermal management contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium that flows through the torque converter casing, absorbing heat from the torque converter and transferring it to the battery and vehicle cab, thereby mediating the thermal energy transfer between components
2Temperature
If air circulation is implemented for cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque converter casing is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both the structural housing for the torque converter and as a thermal management system with integrated air intake ports and discharge ports, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall device complexity
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 effectively cools the torque converter by utilizing air circulation for heat dissipation and can also utilize the heat for warming components like batteries, enhancing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchange is made between the air inside the torque converter casing and the torque converter, whereby the torque converter casing can be cooled
Implementation Method 2
the air, discharged through the first air discharge port, is supplied to a battery, the interior of a vehicle cab, or so forth, whereby heat generated in the torque converter can be effectively utilized
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit includes a prime mover, a torque converter, and a torque converter casing. The torque converter is configured to amplify a torque generated by the prime mover. The torque converter is disposed to be rotatable. The torque converter casing is disposed to be non-rotatable. The torque converter casing accommodates the torque converter. The torque converter casing includes a first air intake port and a first air discharge port. The first air intake port is configured to draw air into the torque converter casing therethrough. The first air discharge port is configured to discharge the air inside the torque converter casing therethrough. The drive unit allows the torque converter to be cooled.