One-Piece Torque Converter Housing for Hybrid Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converter devices for hybrid motor vehicles are complex, costly, and require multiple connection points, which increases production complexity and weight, reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece housing element designed to integrate the disk carrier for both the converter lockup clutch and separating clutch, along with a form-fitting connection for the impeller, simplifies assembly, reduces weight, and eliminates unnecessary connections, using light metal materials like aluminum or magnesium for the housing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple separate connection points are used to connect the torque converter and internal combustion engine, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connection points into a single integrated connection point that simultaneously connects the torque converter and internal combustion engine. This single connection point incorporates multiple mounting locations and attachment mechanisms, reducing the total number of connection points while maintaining all necessary structural connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connection point is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the primary structural support, provides mounting locations for both the torque converter and internal combustion engine, and maintains structural integrity across different operating conditions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated connection points for each component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate connection points are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connection structures into a single integrated connection point, eliminating redundant materials and structural elements. This consolidation reduces the overall weight while maintaining structural stability through optimized load distribution within the single connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate connection structures and mounting brackets that would add weight. By directly integrating the connection functions into a single point, redundant structural elements are removed, reducing weight while preserving essential structural stability.
3Strength
If multiple separate connection points are used, then the structural support is improved, but the production cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connection components into a single integrated connection point, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This simplification reduces production complexity and cost while maintaining all necessary structural support functions through the multi-functional design of the single connection point.
4Strength
If a conventional multi-component housing design is used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the inertia of components increases, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate housing components into a single integrated housing structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple connection points and intermediate structural elements, reducing the total mass and moment of inertia of the rotating assembly. The single-piece design maintains structural integrity through continuous material structure while minimizing rotational inertia for improved efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a torque converter device for a motor vehicle, having at least one housing element (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f) which is designed as one-piece, said housing element being provided for connecting a torque converter (23a; 23b; 23c; 23d; 23e; 23f) and an internal combustion engine to each other in a driving manner. According to the invention, the housing element (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f) forms at least one disk carrier (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f) for accommodating at least one disk of a converter lock-up clutch (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d; 15e; 15f).