Torque Converter Core Lockup Clutch Spatial Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrokinetic torque coupling devices with lockup clutches have limitations in terms of spatial efficiency and operational performance, as they often require separate components for coupling driving and driven shafts, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates an impeller, a turbine-piston, and lockup clutch core plates to mechanically interlock the turbine-piston with the impeller or casing, allowing for a single component to consolidate functions and reduce spatial requirements, enabling efficient mechanical coupling and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If separate components are used for coupling driving and driven shafts, then the device can perform its function, but the spatial requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impeller and turbine into a single integrated component structure where the turbine is positioned within the impeller assembly. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall spatial requirements and simplifies the device structure while maintaining the hydrokinetic torque coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated impeller-turbine structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the driving element (impeller) and the driven element (turbine), while also incorporating the lockup clutch mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing spatial requirements and device complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional lockup clutch designs are used, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lockup clutch mechanism is integrated into the impeller-turbine assembly rather than being a separate component. The clutch plates are positioned between the impeller and turbine structures, allowing mechanical coupling to be achieved within the existing hydrokinetic component footprint. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable lockup operation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for torque coupling, then the coupling function is achieved, but the device weight and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the turbine within the impeller assembly, creating a compact hydrokinetic torque coupling device. This merging of components reduces the overall device weight while maintaining effective torque transmission through the hydrodynamic fluid coupling mechanism.
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 integration enhances the performance and cost-effectiveness of hydrokinetic torque coupling devices by reducing spatial requirements, allowing for a smaller, lighter design while maintaining efficient torque transmission and vibration damping.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine-piston which is axially displaceable relative to, is coaxially aligned with, and is hydrodynamically drivable by the impeller
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller, an axially displaceable turbine piston, and impeller and turbine-piston lockup clutch core plates. The impeller lockup clutch core plate is situated between the impeller shell and the turbine-piston shell, is connected to an impeller core ring, and has a first surface. The turbine-piston lockup clutch core plate is situated between the impeller shell and the turbine-piston shell, is connected to a turbine-piston core ring, and is axially displaceable with the turbine-piston to move a second surface of the turbine-piston lockup clutch core plate axially towards and away from the first surface for positioning the torque converter respectively into and out of a lockup mode in which the turbine-piston is mechanically interlocked to the impeller.