Torque Converter Impeller Blade Inlet Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters require high manufacturing costs due to the need for additional processes such as caulking, forming projections, and inserting pieces to achieve strong bonding between impeller blades and shells, which increases the strength required for the impeller blades.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic torque converter design where the impeller blade has an inlet angle of equal to or less than 0 degrees, with at least a part of the inlet portion bent toward the rotational direction, reducing the stress applied to the inlet portion and minimizing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the interval between stator blades is widened to simplify manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but fluid flow control deteriorates causing unfavorable flow directions
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet portion of the impeller blade is given a different local geometry by bending it toward the rotational direction, creating a favorable flow reception surface specifically at the inlet region while maintaining the overall blade structure. This local modification allows the blade to effectively receive fluid even when stator blade intervals are wide.
2Strength
If additional manufacturing processes such as caulking, forming projections, or inserting pieces are added to strengthen bonding, then bonding force is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the additional strengthening processes (caulking, projections, insertion pieces) from the manufacturing sequence. By designing the impeller blade with a bent inlet portion that inherently receives fluid favorably, the patent eliminates the need for these extra manufacturing steps while maintaining adequate bonding force through the basic press-fitting process.
3Strength
If plate thickness or material of impeller blade is increased to achieve high strength, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the inlet portion by bending it toward the rotational direction. This parameter modification allows the blade to receive fluid at a favorable angle, reducing the hydrodynamic loads and consequently reducing the required strength (plate thickness or material grade) of the impeller blade, thereby lowering manufacturing cost.
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 design reduces the strength required for the impeller blade and minimizes manufacturing costs by allowing the fluid to abut against a negative pressure surface, maintaining performance without significant deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller blade which is fixed to an inner surface of the shell, and generates a flow in the fluid by rotating together with the shell
Implementation Method 2
a turbine runner which is connected to a power transmission destination, and is rotated by the flow of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
The stator blade controls the fluid so that a desirable flow of fluid flows into an inlet of the impeller blade
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter which is a hydraulic torque converter that transmits power via a fluid, includes: a shell which is connected to a power transmission source, and is rotated by the power of the power transmission source; an impeller blade which is fixed to an inner surface of the shell, and generates a flow in the fluid by rotating together with the shell; and a turbine runner which is connected to a power transmission destination, and is rotated by the flow of the fluid, in which the impeller blade has an inlet angle which is equal to or less than 0 degrees, and in which at least a part of an inlet portion to which the fluid enters is bent toward a rotational direction side of the impeller blade.