Torque Converter Thermal Management for Cold Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile machines face challenges in maintaining component temperatures during cold start and idle conditions, leading to performance issues, carbon build-up, and increased fuel consumption, as existing temperature control systems rely on increasing engine load and have limitations in heating capacity.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that restricts the movement of the torque converter turbine when temperatures are below a desired level, transferring heat generated by the torque converter to remotely positioned machine components through a circulating fluid system, thereby enhancing heating capacity and reducing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If engine idle speed is increased to maintain component temperatures during cold start and idle conditions, then component temperatures are maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the torque converter into a beneficial heating source for machine components. By restricting turbine movement during idle conditions, the system generates heat that would otherwise be wasted, and redirects this heat through the circulating fluid system to warm components that need temperature maintenance during cold operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary that manages the torque converter turbine movement and heat transfer process. The controller monitors component temperatures and selectively restricts turbine movement only when heating is needed, coordinating between the torque converter, circulating fluid system, and target components to optimize heating efficiency while minimizing fuel consumption.
2Temperature
If engine idle speed is increased to maintain component temperatures, then component temperatures are maintained, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of restricted turbine movement (which generates heat) into a beneficial outcome for component temperature maintenance. Instead of increasing engine idle speed to generate heat, the system restricts turbine movement to create waste heat that is then redirected to warm components, thereby avoiding the noise associated with higher engine speeds.
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 approach effectively maintains component temperatures, preventing carbon build-up and improving responsiveness and performance, while reducing noise and fuel consumption by increasing the heating capacity beyond traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
transferring heat generated by the torque converter to the component
Implementation Method 2
a circulating fluid system configured to transfer heat generated by the torque converter to a remotely positioned machine component
Data Source
AI summary
The temperature of a machine component is controlled by transferring heat generated by a torque converter under restricted conditions to the component. The machine includes a circulating fluid system configured to transfer heat from the torque converter to the remotely positioned machine component. A controller is configured to sense the temperature of the component, and to restrict motion of the torque converter turbine when the sensed temperature is below a desired temperature. Heat generated by the torque converter under the restricted condition is transferred through the circulating fluid system to the remote component, such as the machine power source, to control the temperature thereof.