Torque Converter Flow Control Assembly for Stable Clutch Apply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unregulated fluid flow between pressure chambers in a two-pass torque converter hampers the transition from release mode to apply mode, leading to an unstable and unpredictable clutch operation due to the lack of a controlled pressure differential.
Innovation Solution
A flow control assembly with a seal plate and through-bore is integrated into the torque converter, controlling the fluid flow between the release and apply pressure chambers, ensuring a controlled and predictable transition by regulating the fluid pressure differential between the chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unregulated fluid flow is allowed between pressure chambers, then the structure is simpler, but the clutch operation becomes unstable and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
A flow control assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the release pressure chamber and apply pressure chamber. This assembly includes a flow control bore and seal elements that mediate the fluid flow, allowing controlled transition while maintaining structural simplicity. The intermediary structure enables predictable clutch operation without requiring complex regulation systems.
2Reliability
If fluid flow is controlled between pressure chambers, then the clutch operation becomes stable and predictable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly serves as a simple intermediary structure that provides adequate fluid flow control without requiring complex regulation mechanisms. The assembly includes a flow control bore and basic seal elements that achieve stable clutch operation while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control assembly is designed to automatically regulate fluid flow between pressure chambers based on pressure differential, without requiring external control systems. The seal elements and flow control bore self-adjust to maintain stable clutch operation, reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
3Force
If fluid pressure builds up excessively in the apply pressure chamber, then the clutch apply force increases, but the transition becomes uncontrolled and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly acts as an intermediary that regulates fluid pressure buildup in the apply pressure chamber. By controlling the rate of fluid flow through the flow control bore, the assembly ensures that clutch apply force increases in a controlled and predictable manner, preventing excessive and uncontrolled pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control assembly provides dynamic regulation of fluid flow between pressure chambers. The flow control bore and seal elements adapt to pressure differential changes, allowing the clutch apply force to increase progressively and predictably during transition, rather than building up excessively and uncontrollably.
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 flow control assembly maintains a sufficient pressure differential for a controlled and repeatable transition from the clutch open mode to the closed mode, preventing excessive fluid pressure build-up and ensuring optimal clutch operation, thereby enhancing the predictability and reliability of the torque converter's performance.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the fluid flow between the release and apply pressure chambers, ensuring a controlled and predictable transition by regulating the fluid pressure differential between the chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive a rotational torque; an impeller including an impeller shell connected to the cover; a turbine including a turbine shell; a lock-up clutch including a piston plate; an output element arranged to non-rotatably connect to an input shaft of a transmission; and a flow control assembly including a seal plate defining a through-bore. The cover, the flow control assembly, and the piston plate define, at least partly, a release pressure chamber. The cover, the impeller shell, the piston plate, and the flow control assembly define, at least partly, an apply pressure chamber. In a clutch closed mode of the two-pass torque converter: the lock-up clutch is arranged to transmit the rotational torque to the output element; and a fluid in the apply pressure chamber is arranged to flow through the through-bore and into the release pressure chamber.