Torque Converter Axial Offset for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing starting elements with hydrodynamic torque converters face challenges in compactly arranging multiple components while maintaining efficient energy transmission and vibration suppression across a wide speed range, requiring innovative spatial arrangements to accommodate additional mechanical components without altering existing gearing or increasing axial space.
Innovation Solution
The hydrodynamic torque converter is axially offset, allowing additional components to be integrated by positioning the turbine wheel and guide wheel arrangement completely behind the freewheel's center, utilizing conical flanges for improved flow guidance and creating additional axial space, which is then used to house vibration dampers and absorbers without increasing overall dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the turbine wheel is positioned closer to the freewheel center to reduce axial space, then the axial dimensions are reduced, but additional components cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine wheel is offset axially relative to the freewheel center, utilizing the axial dimension to create separation between the hydrodynamic torque converter components and the freewheel mechanism. This dimensional arrangement allows additional components to be positioned in the created axial space without increasing the overall radial or longitudinal footprint of the starting element.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple components are arranged in a compact manner, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but the complexity of arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The starting element is segmented into distinct functional zones: the hydrodynamic torque converter section with the turbine wheel, the freewheel section with the one-way clutch, and the intermediate section with the conical flange. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned in its optimal location while maintaining compact overall dimensions, reducing the complexity of arrangement compared to a fully integrated compact design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration dampers and absorbers are added to suppress vibrations, then driving comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration dampers and absorbers are merged with the existing structural components of the starting element, particularly utilizing the conical flange and the axial offset space. This integration allows vibration suppression functionality to be added without significantly increasing device complexity, as the dampers are incorporated into the existing mechanical structure rather than being added as separate external systems.
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 configuration enhances driving comfort and performance by effectively suppressing vibrations and accommodating additional components within the same external dimensions, meeting manufacturer requirements without significant chassis modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrodynamic torque converter in a starting element for transmitting a torque from a drive-side rotational input of the starting element to an output hub
Implementation Method 2
a first axial position of an edge of a turbine shell delimiting a turbine wheel against an axial direction has a predetermined position with respect to a second axial position defined by the center of a one-way clutch by means of which a stator of the hydrodynamic torque converter is rotatably mounted in one direction
Implementation Method 3
utilizing conical flanges for improved flow guidance
Implementation Method 4
effectively suppressing vibrations
Implementation Method 5
so-called vibration absorbers are also installed. Generally speaking, vibration dampers or dampers are additional masses that are coupled to the drive system or the torsional vibration damper via a spring system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The starting element has a turbine case (56) that is provided with turbine blades (22). The maximum extension of turbine case against the axial direction (12) is terminated at an axial position (53). An impeller (20) is located opposite to turbine in axial direction. A stator (24) is arranged between turbine and impeller. A stator flange (58) is provided for coupling stator to freewheel (52). The center of freewheel is located at axial position (54). The difference between the axial positions is set greater than predetermined minimum value.