Torque Converter Cover Plate Sealed Interface Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converter designs often require costly hub designs with complex flow paths, which can lead to inefficiencies and fluid leakage, particularly in sealing the interface between the cover plate and stator shaft.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design featuring a first cover plate and drive flange that form a sealed interface with the stator assembly, creating a fluid flow gap to allow fluid circulation while preventing leakage, with the cover plate being sealingly rotatable and the drive flange forming a fluid flow gap to facilitate cooling fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed interface is created between the cover plate and stator assembly, then fluid leakage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible seal element (thin film) that conforms to the mating surfaces between the cover plate and stator assembly, creating an effective seal without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The flexible seal adapts to surface irregularities, providing reliable sealing while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Productivity
If a fluid flow gap is formed between the cover plate and drive flange, then fluid circulation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing the drive flange with a circumferential groove that maintains a uniform fluid flow gap around its periphery, while the central portion of the flange has different geometric characteristics. This localized geometric variation ensures consistent fluid circulation paths without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances across the entire component.
3Reliability
If crossing flow paths are eliminated in the hub design, then fluid leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hub structure into distinct functional zones: a drive flange portion for torque transmission and a hub portion for fluid flow management. By separating these functions and providing dedicated flow paths in each segment, the design prevents crossing flow paths and fluid leakage without requiring overly complex integrated structures.
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 enhances fluid circulation and prevents leakage, allowing for efficient operation and reducing the need for complex hub designs, thereby improving torque converter performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first cover plate and the stator assembly form a sealed interface preventing the fluid from flowing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the first cover plate and the drive flange form a fluid flow gap therebetween. Fluid flows through the fluid flow gap during operation of the torque converter
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The torque converter includes a damper including a first cover plate and a drive flange; and a stator assembly. The first cover plate is sealingly rotatable with respect to the stator assembly at a sealed interface and the first cover plate and the drive flange form a fluid flow gap therebetween. Fluid flows through the fluid flow gap during operation of the torque converter. The sealed interface prevents the fluid from flowing therethrough. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided.