Torque Converter Blade Tab Undercuts for Reduced Bending Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bending solid tabs to secure blades to a core ring in a torque converter requires significant force, leading to potential displacement of blades and alterations in blade angles, affecting the torque converter's performance.
Innovation Solution
A blade design with undercuts on tabs that allows for easier insertion and bending, reducing the force needed to secure the blade to the core ring by utilizing indentations on the tab edge surfaces to facilitate engagement with the core ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid tabs are used for blade connection, then connection strength is improved, but the force required for bending increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating indentations at specific locations on the tab (at the bending line) to concentrate the bending action. This local modification reduces the overall bending force required while maintaining the structural integrity and connection strength of the tab. The indentations create a localized weak point that facilitates bending without compromising the tab's overall strength when engaged with the core ring.
2Reliability
If significant bending force is applied, then tab engagement with core ring is improved, but blade displacement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The indentations create a localized bending zone that concentrates the deformation action. This allows the tab to engage reliably with the core ring while the blade body remains stable and undisturbed. The localized modification ensures that the bending force is applied precisely where needed (at the tab) without transmitting excessive force to the blade, thus preventing blade displacement.
3Reliability
If significant bending force is applied, then tab engagement with core ring is improved, but blade angle changes
Solution Approach 1:
By creating indentations at the specific bending line location on the tab, the patent localizes the bending action to only the tab portion. This ensures that the blade angle and configuration remain unchanged during the tab bending process, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving reliable tab engagement with the core ring.
4Device complexity
If solid tabs without indentations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but bending process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simple local feature (indentations) on the tab that dramatically eases the bending process. These indentations create a natural bending line that requires minimal force to deform, making the manufacturing process much easier. The overall tab structure remains simple, with only localized modifications needed to achieve the desired ease of bending.
Data Source
AI summary
A blade for a torque converter, including: a body with first and second blade side surfaces and a blade edge surface connecting the first and second blade side surfaces; and a tab extending from the blade edge surface and arranged for insertion through an opening in a core ring for the torque converter. The tab includes: a distal end furthest from the blade edge surface; first and second tab edge surfaces in communication with the distal end; and first and second indentations in the first and second tab edge surfaces, respectively, between the distal end and the blade edge surface. The core ring forms at least respective portions of respective inner circumferences for a turbine and pump for the torque converter. After insertion through the opening, the tab is arranged to be bent along a line connecting the indentations so that a portion of the tab engages the core ring.