Torque Converter Hydraulic Control Subsystem for Automatic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque converter hydraulic control systems in automatic transmissions lack improved performance, reliability, and feedback response, necessitating a more effective and cost-efficient configuration.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter hydraulic control subsystem that includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a torque converter actuator, a cooler subsystem, and a control valve assembly with a spool movable between positions, along with a boost valve assembly and a control solenoid for precise fluid communication and pressure regulation, ensuring cooling and lubrication in all operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hydraulic control system with a main pump is used, then the system can provide pressurized fluid to valves and solenoids, but the system lacks improved performance, reliability, and feedback response
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control system is divided into separate functional modules: a pressure regulator subsystem with a regulator valve for line pressure control, a torque converter clutch (TCC) subsystem with dedicated control valves, and a cooler subsystem. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through pressure sensors that monitor hydraulic pressure in the TCC apply line and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the TCC control valve based on this feedback to maintain precise clutch engagement, improving reliability through closed-loop control.
2Productivity
If the torque converter clutch is engaged to provide direct drive, then mechanical connection efficiency is improved, but the system lacks precise control and feedback response
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor monitors the hydraulic pressure in the TCC apply line and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback signal and adjusts the TCC control valve position to maintain precise clutch engagement pressure, ensuring accurate control while the clutch is engaged for direct drive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical linkage control with an electro-hydraulic control system. The control unit receives electronic signals and converts them to precise hydraulic control through electronically controlled valves, enabling more accurate clutch engagement control compared to purely mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the main pump provides pressurized fluid to all subsystems, then system simplicity is maintained, but cooling and lubrication flow to the torque converter cannot be ensured in all modes of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into dedicated circuits: the TCC subsystem with its own control valves for clutch engagement, and a separate cooler subsystem with dedicated flow paths. This segmentation ensures that cooling and lubrication functions are independently maintained across different operational modes without requiring complex cross-circuit coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator subsystem serves multiple functions by regulating line pressure that supplies both the TCC subsystem and the cooler subsystem. This multi-functionality allows a single pressure regulation mechanism to support various operational modes while maintaining adequate cooling and lubrication flow.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional valves and solenoids are used without boost valve assembly, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system lacks precise pressure regulation and responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The boost valve assembly combines multiple pressure regulation functions into a single integrated component. It works in conjunction with the TCC control valve to provide both baseline pressure control and boost pressure functions, reducing the need for separate valves while achieving precise pressure regulation through coordinated operation of merged functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The boost valve assembly provides dynamic pressure adjustment capability, allowing the system to transition between different pressure levels based on operational requirements. The valve can provide normal pressure regulation under standard conditions and activate boost pressure functions when additional clamping force is required, enabling adaptive pressure control.
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 solution enhances the performance and reliability of torque converter control by enabling precise engagement and disengagement of the torque converter clutch, maintaining cooling and lubrication, and providing feedback mechanisms to manage potential stuck conditions, thereby improving overall system responsiveness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a control solenoid for precise fluid communication and pressure regulation
Implementation Method 2
A torque converter hydraulic control subsystem includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter hydraulic control subsystem for a transmission is provided. The torque converter hydraulic control subsystem includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with a torque converter clutch (TCC) regulation valve, a TCC control valve, and a lubrication boost valve. The torque converter hydraulic control subsystem is configured to provide cooling and lubrication fluid flow to a torque converter in all modes of operation.