Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Retaining Plate Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing torque converters for vehicles have a high number of components in the lock-up clutch and torsional damper connection, leading to increased manufacturing processes and costs due to riveting, which complicates automatic assembly and raises productivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design that integrates a lock-up clutch and torsional damper using a retaining plate with an extending drum portion and spring support, reducing the number of components by sharing components between the two systems, and simplifying the manufacturing process through a multi-plate clutch configuration with first and second friction plates and springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lock-up clutch and torsional damper are connected by riveting multiple components, then the connection strength is improved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lock-up clutch and torsional damper into a single integrated assembly where the clutch drum serves dual functions. The friction plates are directly mounted on the clutch drum which is coupled to the turbine, eliminating the need for separate riveting connections. This merging of components maintains structural strength while reducing part count and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch drum is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the rotating element for the lock-up clutch friction plates and as the mounting structure for the torsional damper springs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connection components, reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining the required mechanical strength for both clutch engagement and vibration damping.
2Power
If multiple friction plates are used in the lock-up clutch, then the friction contact area is increased and clutch performance is improved, but the number of components and manufacturing processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is designed with multiple friction plates (first friction plates and second friction plates) segmented and alternately arranged between the clutch drum and cover. This segmentation increases the total friction contact area for better power transmission while allowing each plate to be independently positioned and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple friction plates are nested within the clutch assembly, with first and second friction plates alternately arranged between the clutch drum and cover. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space, increasing friction contact area without significantly increasing the overall clutch size or complexity of manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the torsional damper uses a long-travel structure with multiple springs, then the vibration absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torsional damper structure is merged with the lock-up clutch assembly. The springs are mounted directly on the clutch drum and extending drum portion, integrating the vibration damping function into the existing clutch structure. This eliminates the need for a separate damper housing and reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining long-travel vibration absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch drum and retaining plate are designed to serve dual purposes: transmitting clutch engagement forces and supporting the torsional damper springs. The extending drum portion provides both structural support for the clutch friction plates and mounting support for the damper springs, reducing the need for additional components.
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
This design reduces the number of components and manufacturing processes, improving productivity and lowering costs by simplifying the assembly and management of components, while maintaining effective power transmission and vibration absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a torsional damper, which may absorb impact and vibration being applied in a rotation direction of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
first springs and second springs which are disposed on the retaining plate in a circumferential direction
Implementation Method 3
a friction member, which comes into friction contact with the front cover, engages with the piston
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a torque converter for a vehicle in which the number of components is reduced and stability is improved in a long-travel torsional damper structure having springs that operate at two stages.The torque converter for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a front cover, an impeller, a turbine, a reactor, a lock-up clutch, and a torsional damper, and the lock-up clutch includes a clutch drum which is coupled to the front cover, multiple first friction plates which are coupled to the clutch drum, second friction plates which are disposed between the multiple first friction plates, and a retaining plate which has an extending drum portion to which the second friction plate are coupled and supports springs provided on the torsional damper.