Torque Converter Input Shaft Centering via Flange Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque converters without an output hub face challenges in centering the input transmission shaft with respect to the engine, as they lack the necessary means for proper alignment and engagement.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design featuring a centering flange fixedly connected to the cover, a piston plate with a radially inwardly facing surface, and a vibration damper with a flange that directly engages the input shaft, eliminating the need for an output hub by using a single plate clutch and bushings to center the input shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an output hub is used to center the input shaft, then the centering function is achieved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the output hub component entirely and extracts only the essential centering function, which is achieved through the direct engagement of the vibration damper flange with the input shaft and the positioning of the piston plate within the torque converter clutch assembly. This eliminates unnecessary components while preserving the centering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The vibration damper assembly integrates both vibration damping and input shaft centering functions. The piston plate serves dual purposes as both a clutch component and a centering element through its radially inwardly facing surface engagement with the centering flange.
2Reliability
If an output hub is used to center the input shaft, then the centering function is achieved, but the weight of the torque converter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The output hub is completely removed from the design, eliminating its weight contribution. The centering function is achieved through lighter components such as the vibration damper flange and piston plate geometry, which provide sufficient structural support and centering capability without the additional mass of a dedicated output hub.
3Device complexity
If a single clutch plate is used without an output hub, then the device complexity is reduced, but the means for centering the input shaft is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration damper flange and piston plate are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The vibration damper provides both vibration isolation and input shaft centering through its flange engagement. The piston plate serves as both a clutch actuating component and a centering element through its engagement with the centering flange, eliminating the need for separate centering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering flange acts as an intermediary element between the cover and the piston plate, providing a mating surface that ensures proper alignment and centering of the input shaft. This intermediary component enables centering functionality without requiring a complex output hub structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque from an engine; a centering flange fixedly connected to the cover and including a radially outwardly facing surface; a turbine; and a vibration damper with a first input component and a flange arranged to contact and engage an input shaft for a transmission to transmit torque to the input shaft. The torque converter includes: a torque convert clutch including a piston plate fixedly connected to the first input component, the piston plate including: a radially innermost distal end arranged to at least indirectly engage the input shaft; and a radially inwardly facing surface at least indirectly engaged with the radially outwardly facing surface.