Integrated Torque Converter Cooling for Internal Rotary Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters require a dedicated cooling system for rotary electrical machines, which adds complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a torque converter with a rotary electrical machine inside its body, utilizing hydraulic oil circulation for cooling, eliminating the need for a separate cooling system by incorporating a cover, impeller, turbine, and stators within the torque converter body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a dedicated cooling system is provided for the rotary electrical machine, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function for the rotary electrical machine with the existing hydraulic oil circulation system of the torque converter. The hydraulic oil that already circulates through the torque converter body is utilized to cool the rotary electrical machine, eliminating the need for a separate cooling system. This combines two functions (torque conversion and electrical machine cooling) into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic oil circulation system is given multiple functions: it serves both the torque converter's internal cooling needs and the rotary electrical machine's cooling requirements. By making the hydraulic oil system universal, the patent avoids adding dedicated cooling infrastructure for the electrical machine, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
2Reliability
If a dedicated cooling system is provided for the rotary electrical machine, then cooling reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the cooling functions into a single hydraulic oil circulation system, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable cooling through the shared hydraulic oil system that already proves its reliability in the torque converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal hydraulic oil system serves dual purposes, reducing the total component count and assembly requirements. This multi-functionality approach lowers manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable cooling operation through the proven hydraulic system.
3Volume of moving object
If the rotary electrical machine is disposed inside the torque converter body, then space utilization is improved, but cooling capability deteriorates without a dedicated system
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic oil circulation system serves itself by extending its cooling capability to the rotary electrical machine. The same hydraulic oil that circulates through the torque converter body automatically cools the electrical machine components, with no additional cooling infrastructure required. This self-service approach enables compact integration while maintaining adequate cooling.
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
Enables effective cooling of the rotary electrical machine without a dedicated cooling system, simplifying design and reducing costs while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the rotary electrical machine can be cooled by hydraulic oil circulating inside the torque converter body
Implementation Method 2
the rotary electrical machine can be cooled by hydraulic oil circulating inside the torque converter body
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter includes a torque converter body and a rotary electrical machine. The torque converter body includes a cover, an impeller, a turbine, and a first stator. The rotary electrical machine includes a rotor and a second stator. The rotary electrical machine is disposed inside the torque converter body.