Torque Converter Clutch Cooling via Barrier Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque converters in earth-moving machines experience premature wear and failure of impeller clutches due to inadequate cooling, as conventional heat dissipation methods are inefficient and lead to fluctuations in heat convection rates.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design featuring an impeller shell with radially arranged fins and a backing hub with a barrier element that restricts fluid flow, creating a pocket for the clutch assembly to enhance fluid mass flow rate and backpressure, thereby improving cooling and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If natural convection cooling is used for the impeller clutch, then the structure remains simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and heat dissipation fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple sections with the clutch assembly housed in a dedicated clutch housing. This segmentation allows for targeted cooling of the clutch assembly by directing fluid flow specifically to the clutch plates and friction plates, rather than relying on general natural convection of the entire torque converter.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid cooling system is implemented where a body of fluid (typically transmission fluid) is circulated through the torque converter. The fluid is directed to flow across the clutch plates and friction plates in the clutch assembly, providing active convective cooling to remove heat generated during engagement and disengagement operations.
2Temperature
If active fluid cooling is implemented for the clutch assembly, then cooling efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid cooling system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the clutch assembly by directing fluid flow across the clutch plates, and it also lubricates the clutch surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling and lubrication systems, thereby limiting the increase in 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 enhanced fluid flow and backpressure system effectively cool and lubricate the clutch assembly, reducing wear and tear and extending its service life, while preventing overheating during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier element extending outwardly from the backing hub such that a free end of the bather element is disposed proximal to an inner surface of the housing... configured to maintain an increased mass flow rate of fluid to the clutch assembly
Implementation Method 2
These impeller clutches also have a propensity for heating up during operation... various parts of the torque converter including the impeller clutch may dissipate heat through a natural process of convection
Implementation Method 3
The enhanced fluid flow and backpressure system effectively cool and lubricate the clutch assembly, reducing wear and tear
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter includes a housing, and an impeller shell disposed within the housing. The impeller shell has a back wall, and a plurality of fins radially arranged and extending outwardly from the back wall. The torque converter further includes a backing hub rigidly coupled to the back wall of the impeller shell. The backing hub has a barrier element extending therefrom. A free end of the barrier element is disposed proximal to the housing to restrict a flow of fluid therebetween.