Torque Converter Cooling Fluid Flow and Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque converters experience undesirable vibration and noise due to intermittent contact between cover plates and the turbine hub during lock-up mode, and there is a need to reduce drag and improve cooling flow in torque converter mode.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design that includes a flow-control element with a compressible resilient element and a pressure-controllable flap to regulate cooling fluid flow between pressure chambers, and a friction plate arrangement that minimizes drag by maintaining equal pressures on both surfaces, ensuring efficient cooling and reduced vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the torque converter clutch is engaged during lock-up mode, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but intermittent contact between cover plates and turbine hub causes vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the cover plate against the turbine hub using a spring mechanism before torque transmission begins. This ensures continuous contact is maintained throughout operation, preventing the intermittent contact that causes vibration and noise while preserving torque transmission efficiency during lock-up mode.
2Temperature
If cooling fluid flows freely between pressure chambers, then cooling efficiency is improved, but drag increases during torque converter mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flow-control element that can dynamically adjust its position based on operating conditions. During torque converter mode, the element restricts flow to minimize drag; during lock-up mode, it opens to maximize cooling efficiency. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between cooling performance and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow resistance parameter of cooling fluid between different operating modes. By varying the degree of restriction imposed by the flow-control element, the system optimizes both cooling efficiency and drag characteristics according to the specific operational requirements of each mode.
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 solution effectively reduces drag and vibration by maintaining contact between the cover plate and turbine hub, enhancing the performance and durability of the torque converter while improving cooling flow and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flow-control element with a compressible resilient element and a pressure-controllable flap to regulate cooling fluid flow between pressure chambers
Implementation Method 2
a friction plate arrangement that minimizes drag by maintaining equal pressures on both surfaces
Implementation Method 3
a torque converter clutch providing torque to a turbine hub during lock-up mode while minimizing frictional losses during torque converter mode
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter including: a membrane forming a portion of a release chamber for the clutch; a friction plate for a torque converter clutch, the plate rotationally connected to a turbine hub and disposed within the release chamber; and a damper element rotationally connected to the turbine hub and to the torque converter clutch. In lock-up mode for the converter, the plate is arranged to transmit torque to the turbine hub. The torque converter includes cooling fluid and a torus and the clutch further comprises friction material and in some aspects, during the lock-up mode, the release chamber is sealed except for a flow of the cooling fluid from the release chamber through the friction material to the torus. The plate includes oppositely disposed first and second radial surfaces and during a torque converter mode for the torque converter, respective pressures on the first and second surfaces are substantially equal.