Torque Converter Cover Baffle Assembly for Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters face challenges in optimizing fluid flow and response time during coast engagement, particularly due to the complexity of attaching individual baffles to the cover, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design featuring a baffle assembly with a radially extending section and an axially extending section, where a plurality of baffles are protruding from the cover to impact fluid flow, and methods for forming and attaching these baffles, such as using a baffle ring with lanced windows or L-shaped assemblies, which simplifies the attachment process and improves fluid dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual baffles are attached to the cover to optimize fluid flow, then fluid flow optimization is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual baffles are merged into a single integrated baffle assembly that attaches to the cover as one unit. This reduces the number of separate attachment operations while maintaining the fluid flow optimization benefits of multiple baffles, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving response time and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle assembly is designed as a modular component that can be manufactured separately and then attached to the cover. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of the baffle assembly itself while reducing the overall manufacturing complexity at the final assembly stage.
2Productivity
If multiple individual baffles are attached to the cover, then fluid flow control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual baffles are merged into a single integrated baffle assembly that attaches to the cover as one unit. This reduces the number of separate attachment operations while maintaining the fluid flow optimization benefits of multiple baffles, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving response time and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Productivity
If complex baffle attachment methods are used to optimize fluid flow, then fluid dynamics are improved, but manufacturing simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual baffles are merged into a single integrated baffle assembly that attaches to the cover as one unit. This reduces the number of separate attachment operations while maintaining the fluid flow optimization benefits of multiple baffles, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving response time and reducing manufacturing 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 enhances the response time of the torque converter during coast engagement by optimizing fluid flow and reducing manufacturing complexity through simplified baffle attachment methods, leading to improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of baffles protruding from the cover to impact fluid flow in the torque converter
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes a cover. The cover includes a radially extending section and an axially extending section extending axially from an outer radial end of the radially extending section. The torque converter also includes at least one baffle assembly attached to the radially extending section or the axially extending section of the cover. The at least one baffle assembly includes a plurality of baffles protruding from the cover to impact fluid flow in the torque converter. Methods of forming a torque converter are also provided.