Three-Pass Torque Converter Flow Paths Without Cross-Drilled Hubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters with cross-flow hubs are expensive and complex, adding unnecessary cost and complexity to the design, particularly due to the requirement for costly forgings and cross-drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design that eliminates the need for a hub by using a seal plate and flow plate configuration with a through-bore, allowing for separate fluid flow paths to pressure chambers without cross-drilling, enabling a twin plate clutch design with higher clutch load and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cross-flow hubs are used to provide fluid flow paths for clutch apply and release pressure chambers, then fluid flow paths are provided, but cost and device complexity increase due to expensive forgings and cross-drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cross-flow hub component entirely from the torque converter assembly. Instead of using a hub to direct fluid flow, the invention uses the turbine shaft itself with integrated flow passages to supply fluid to both the apply pressure chamber and release pressure chamber, thereby eliminating the need for expensive forgings and cross-drilling operations associated with traditional hubs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the function of the hub into the turbine shaft by integrating fluid flow path features directly into the shaft structure. The turbine shaft is designed with a through-bore and axial flow passages that combine the functions of fluid distribution to multiple chambers, eliminating the need for a separate hub component and reducing overall device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If cross-flow hubs with multiple flow passages are used, then fluid flow paths are provided to pressure chambers, but manufacturing complexity increases due to cross-drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the cross-drilling operation by removing the hub component that requires such complex machining. The turbine shaft is designed with flow passages that can be manufactured using simpler machining processes, avoiding the need for precise cross-drilling operations required by traditional hub designs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex flow passages to a hub component, the invention inverts the approach by using the turbine shaft as the primary fluid distribution element. This reversal allows fluid flow paths to be integrated into an existing rotating component, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing precision requirements
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 by eliminating the need for expensive hubs and cross-drilling, while maintaining effective fluid flow to pressure chambers, enhancing the torque converter's efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the first flow path into the first chamber to displace the piston plate in an axial direction toward the cover
Implementation Method 2
pressurized fluid is arranged to flow through the second flow path passing through the through-bore into the second chamber to displace the piston plate in an axial direction away from the cover
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 lock-up clutch including a piston plate, an output hub connected to the turbine shell and arranged to non-rotatably connect to a transmission input shaft, and a seal plate disposed, at least partially, axially between the piston plate and the turbine shell, wherein the seal plate is connected to the cover and the piston plate. A flow plate may be connected to the seal plate and disposed axially between the seal plate and the turbine shell. A through-bore may be bounded in first and second opposite radial directions by the seal plate.