Torque Converter Cross-Flow Chambers With Simpler Clutch Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Known torque converters with forged and machined components and cross-flow channels for pressure chambers are costly and complex, necessitating a simpler and more cost-effective design.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design featuring a cover, impeller, turbine, stator, and lock-up clutch with press-fit surfaces and fluid-controlled pressure chambers that allow for axial displacement of the piston plate to open and close the lock-up clutch, utilizing through-bores and grooves for fluid flow to manage torque transmission modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forged and machined components with cross-flow channels are used for pressure chambers, then the torque converter achieves reliable fluid control, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover and piston plate to form the first pressure chamber, and the piston plate and seal plate to form the second pressure chamber. This integration eliminates the need for separate forged and machined components with cross-flow channels, reducing manufacturing steps and device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid control for lock-up clutch operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions: it receives rotational torque, defines pressure chambers, and provides through-bores for fluid flow. The piston plate simultaneously forms part of pressure chambers and acts as a movable element for clutch control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of specialized components needed, lowering overall complexity
2Power
If forged and machined components with cross-flow channels are used for pressure chambers, then the torque converter achieves effective torque transmission, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the cover and piston plate to define the first pressure chamber, and the piston plate and seal plate to define the second pressure chamber, the patent eliminates expensive forged and machined components. The through-bores in the cover provide necessary fluid pathways without requiring complex cross-flow channels, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining effective torque transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of fluid control from complex forged and machined components. By using simple through-bores in the cover and defining pressure chambers through the arrangement of existing components, it achieves the necessary fluid pathways for torque transmission without the high manufacturing cost of traditional cross-flow channel designs
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 complexity and cost while effectively managing torque transmission by using fluid displacement to control the lock-up clutch, enhancing operational efficiency and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged to receive and expel a fluid to axially displace the piston plate to open and close the lock-up clutch
Implementation Method 2
The cover and the seal plate define: a through-bore with a first end terminating at the first pressure chamber; or a through-bore with a first end terminating at the second pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter, including: a cover including a first surface facing in a first radial direction; an impeller; a stator; and a lock-up clutch including a piston plate and a seal plate including a second surface in a press fit with the first surface. The cover and the piston plate define at least a portion of a first pressure chamber. The piston plate and the seal plate define at least a portion of a second pressure chamber. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged to receive and expel a fluid to axially displace the piston plate to open and close the lock-up clutch. The cover and the seal plate define a through-bore with: an end terminating at the first pressure chamber; or an end terminating at the second pressure chamber. The cover includes an edge defining an end of the through-bore.