Torque Converter Lock-Up Hydraulic Switching for Smaller Oil Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission devices with torque converters require large oil pumps to release the lock-up state of the lock-up device, which increases the overall size and complexity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission device with a torque converter that includes a switch device to selectively supply hydraulic oil to either the first or second hydraulic chamber, reducing the need for high-pressure oil pumps by using both urging members and hydraulic pressure to control the lock-up device, thereby minimizing the size of the oil pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hydraulic oil is supplied to the first hydraulic chamber to press the clutch part, then the lock-up device is locked up with both urging member force and hydraulic pressure, but the oil pump size must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic chamber that receives hydraulic oil to generate pressure, which acts on the piston to press the clutch part. This hydraulic mechanism supplements the urging member's force, enabling strong locking while allowing the use of a smaller oil pump since the hydraulic pressure amplifies the available force without requiring a large pump capacity.
2Reliability
If the urging member is designed to provide sufficient locking force, then the lock-up device can be reliably locked up, but the hydraulic pressure required for release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force generation mechanism by introducing hydraulic pressure as an additional parameter. The hydraulic chamber allows the system to achieve high locking force through pressure amplification rather than relying solely on a high-force urging member. This enables reliable locking while keeping the release pressure within manageable limits, as the hydraulic system can be designed to operate at optimal pressure ranges.
3Ease of operation
If a large oil pump is used to provide sufficient hydraulic pressure for lock-up release, then the lock-up device can be reliably released, but the overall system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic chamber as an intermediary between the oil pump and the piston. This intermediary amplifies the hydraulic pressure effect, allowing a smaller oil pump to achieve the necessary force for reliable lock-up release. The hydraulic chamber acts as a force multiplier, enabling effective operation with reduced pump size and consequently smaller overall system dimensions.
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 reduces the size of the oil pump and enhances the efficiency of the torque converter by utilizing hydraulic pressure to control the lock-up device, allowing for a more compact and efficient power transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member (37) that urges the piston (362) toward the clutch part (361)
Implementation Method 2
When the hydraulic oil is supplied to the interior of the first hydraulic chamber, the piston is caused to press the clutch part
Implementation Method 3
When the hydraulic oil is supplied to the interior of the second hydraulic chamber, the piston is caused to release from pressing the clutch part
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter includes a lock-up device, an urging member, a cover, an impeller, a turbine, a first hydraulic chamber, and a second hydraulic chamber. The lock-up device includes a clutch part and a piston. The urging member urges the piston toward the clutch part. A first oil pathway communicates with the first hydraulic chamber. A second oil pathway communicates with the second hydraulic chamber. A switch is provided. In a first switch position, hydraulic oil is supplied to the first hydraulic chamber through the first oil pathway. In a second switch position, hydraulic oil is supplied to the second hydraulic chamber through the second oil pathway. The piston presses the clutch part when the hydraulic oil is supplied to an interior of the first hydraulic chamber. The piston releases the clutch part when the hydraulic oil is supplied to an interior of the second hydraulic chamber.