Torque Converter Pilot Flow Plate for Hubless Cross-Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters with cross-flow hubs are expensive and complex, adding unnecessary cost and complexity to the design, particularly in providing fluid flow paths to pressurized chambers.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design that eliminates the need for a hub by using a stamped pilot flow plate with recessed portions to create cross-flow configurations between fluid chambers, allowing fluid communication without costly forgings or cross-drilling operations, enabling a twin plate clutch design with higher clutch load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cross-flow hub is used to provide fluid flow paths to pressure chambers, then fluid communication is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cross-flow hub component entirely from the torque converter assembly. Instead of using a separate hub to direct fluid flow, the design integrates fluid communication paths directly into the case structure and utilizes the piston plate and seal plate to establish fluid pathways between chambers, thereby eliminating the need for the expensive and complex cross-flow hub while maintaining functional fluid communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the cross-flow hub with the existing case and piston plate structures. The case is designed to directly provide fluid communication between the A-side and B-side pressure chambers, merging the hub's fluid directing function into the primary structural components, thus reducing part count and overall system complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a cross-flow hub is used to provide fluid flow paths, then fluid communication is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive cross-flow hub with simpler, more cost-effective components that are easier to manufacture. The case and piston plate structures are designed to provide fluid communication without requiring costly forgings or cross-drilling operations, using instead standard machining and sealing techniques that reduce manufacturing expenses
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 costs and complexity while maintaining efficient fluid flow, achieving a cross-flow configuration without the need for forgings or expensive drilling, and supports a twin plate clutch design with increased clutch load.
Implementation Method 1
A first fluid chamber is formed by the piston plate and the seal plate, wherein the first fluid chamber is configured to receive pressurized fluid to axially displace the piston plate to close the lock-up clutch. A second fluid chamber is formed by the cover and the piston plate; and a third fluid chamber is formed by the cover and the pilot flow plate, wherein the second and third fluid chambers are in fluid communication and configured to receive circulation flow routed from the lock-up clutch.
Implementation Method 2
the first fluid chamber is configured to receive pressurized fluid to axially displace the piston plate to close the lock-up clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter comprising a cover arranged to receive torque, an impeller having an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover, and a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell is provided. In embodiments, the torque converter includes a piston plate; and a seal plate disposed axially between the piston plate and the turbine, wherein the piston plate is sealed to the seal plate at an outer diameter thereof. A pilot flow plate is disposed axially between the cover and the seal plate, wherein the pilot flow plate is fixed to the cover on a first axial side and fixed to the seal plate on a second, opposite axial side.