Torque Converter Cross-Flow Hub Flow Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters with cross-flow hubs face challenges in efficiently transitioning between lock-up and torque converter modes due to limitations in pressurized fluid flow paths, which affect the displacement and connection of the piston plate.
Innovation Solution
The torque converter incorporates circumferentially overlapping pressurized flow paths, including a first flow path and a second flow path, sealed from the first chamber, allowing pressurized fluid to flow through a through-bore without intersecting the hub, enabling efficient displacement of the piston plate between lock-up and torque converter modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cross-flow hubs are used in torque converters, then mode transition capability is improved, but fluid flow path efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow paths are segmented into distinct first and second flow paths that are sealed from each other. The first flow path is dedicated to applying the piston plate to the cover, while the second flow path is dedicated to releasing the piston plate. This segmentation allows each flow path to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall fluid flow efficiency while maintaining mode transition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hub are assigned different functions: the first hub region handles the first flow path for apply operations, while the second hub region handles the second flow path for release operations. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific fluid flow requirements, resolving the contradiction between versatility and efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressurized fluid flows through the hub, then mode transition is enabled, but flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow paths are extracted from the hub structure itself and routed through dedicated passages in the cover and housing. This extraction simplifies the hub design while maintaining the mode transition capability, as the complex flow paths are separated from the rotating hub component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary structure that houses the sealed first and second flow paths. This intermediary component allows pressurized fluid to reach the piston plate for mode transitions without requiring complex internal passages in the hub, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 configuration enables seamless transitions between lock-up and torque converter modes by ensuring precise fluid flow control, enhancing the torque converter's operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
first pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the first flow path into the apply chamber and displace the piston plate in the first axial direction
Implementation Method 2
second pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the second flow path into the release chamber and displace the piston plate in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter, including: a cover; a lock-up clutch with a piston plate; an output hub; a first hub including a through-bore; a chamber bounded by the turbine; an apply chamber bounded by the piston plate; a release chamber bounded by the cover, the first hub, and the piston plate; a first flow path; a through-bore through the first hub; and a second flow path. The second flow path: is sealed from the first chamber; passes through the through-bore; and includes a portion circumferentially aligned with the first flow path. A line in an axial direction passes through the through-bore without intersecting the first hub. For a lock-up mode, pressurized fluid in the apply chamber displaces the piston plate in a first axial direction. For a torque converter mode, pressurized fluid in the release chamber displaces the piston plate in a second axial direction.