Torque Converter Deflectable Seal for Leakage and Overheating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Torque converters face challenges in maintaining effective fluid sealing during lockup and release modes, leading to leakage and difficulties in engaging the clutch due to hydrodynamic effects and insufficient cooling flow, which can result in overheating.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter assembly with a deflectable seal that is disengaged in the lockup mode to block fluid flow and engaged in the release mode to allow fluid flow, utilizing a sheet metal plate or ring with friction material for sealing, and an annular groove configuration to facilitate fluid exchange between chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is used to block fluid flow during lockup mode, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the seal may cause overheating due to insufficient cooling flow
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed to be deflectable rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically change position based on fluid pressure conditions. During lockup mode, the seal deflects to block fluid flow and prevent leakage. During release mode, it deflects to allow cooling flow through the orifice, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing and cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal's position parameter is changed based on operating mode. By allowing the seal to deflect between different positions (blocked vs. open), the system adapts the fluid flow parameter dynamically, preventing both leakage and overheating across different operational states.
2Reliability
If a rigid seal is used to block fluid flow, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but clutch engagement becomes difficult due to hydrodynamic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The seal transitions from a rigid structure to a deflectable one, enabling it to move dynamically in response to fluid pressure changes. This dynamic behavior allows the seal to accommodate hydrodynamic effects during clutch engagement while maintaining sealing effectiveness when engaged, resolving the contradiction between sealing and engagement ease.
3Loss of energy
If the seal blocks fluid flow through the orifice during lockup mode, then fluid leakage is prevented, but cooling flow is insufficient leading to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the fluid flow parameter through the deflectable seal's movement. During lockup, the seal position blocks leakage paths. During release, the seal deflects to open cooling paths through the orifice, thus adapting the flow parameter to prevent both leakage and overheating in different operational states.
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 deflectable seal effectively restricts fluid leakage during lockup, enhances clutch engagement, and ensures sufficient cooling flow during release, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the torque converter by minimizing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
In a lockup mode for the torque converter, the first seal blocks fluid flow through an orifice in the piston plate or between the cover and the piston plate
Implementation Method 2
in a release mode for the torque converter, the first seal is deflectable to enable a fluid flow through the orifice or between the cover and the piston plate and around the first seal
Implementation Method 3
the piston plate is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the apply chamber, and the first seal is arranged to be deflected by the fluid pressure in the apply chamber
Implementation Method 4
the first seal includes a sheet metal ring fixed to one of the piston plate or the cover and arranged for sealing engagement with the other of the piston plate or the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter assembly comprises: a cover for driving engagement with a prime mover; a piston plate including an annular surface for engaging a clutch; and, a sealing plate comprising a substantially radial wall arranged between the cover and the piston plate and disposed radially inward of the annular surface, wherein: in a lockup mode for the torque converter, the sealing plate blocks fluid flow between the cover and the piston plate; and, in a release mode for the torque converter, the sealing plate is deflectable to enable a fluid flow between the cover and the piston plate via a pathway between the cover and the sealing plate.