Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Separation With Compensation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converter clutch assemblies with two-path fluid control arrangements face challenges in achieving controllable fluid performance and clutch responsiveness due to high converter charge pressure affecting piston apply pressure, leading to complex and costly fluid routing schemes.
Innovation Solution
The torque converter assembly incorporates a clutch assembly with a bidirectional seal and a compensation circuit to separate charge and apply pressures, allowing for increased flow volume and simpler fluid routing by orienting the piston to apply torque converter clutch pressure first, and using a bias member to bias the clutch into a disengaged position, effectively achieving three-path functionality without additional complexity or expense.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-path fluid control arrangement is used in the torque converter clutch assembly, then the manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the controllable fluid performance and clutch responsiveness are compromised due to high converter charge pressure affecting piston apply pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid control system is segmented into three separate paths: a charge circuit for converter charging, an apply circuit for clutch engagement, and a compensation circuit for pressure balancing. This segmentation isolates the high charge pressure from the piston apply pressure, allowing independent control of each function while maintaining simple two-path clutch assembly architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation circuit acts as an intermediary between the charge circuit and the clutch piston, introducing a balancing fluid that counteracts the high converter charge pressure. This mediator allows the piston to respond accurately to apply pressure signals without being distorted by charge pressure fluctuations
2Ease of manufacture
If the piston is oriented to apply torque converter clutch pressure first, then the fluid routing becomes simpler and less expensive, but the separation of charge and apply pressures becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation circuit with balancing fluid serves as an intermediary that enables pressure separation while maintaining simple fluid routing. The bidirectional seal at the piston interface works with this intermediary to allow increased flow volume from charge to apply circuit while preventing reverse flow, achieving pressure separation without complex routing
3Quantity of substance
If a bidirectional seal with increased flow volume capability is used, then the flow from charge circuit to apply circuit is enhanced, but the reverse flow control becomes more critical to maintain pressure separation
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional seal provides automatic feedback control of fluid flow based on pressure differential. When charge pressure exceeds apply pressure, the seal allows increased flow volume to charge the apply circuit. When apply pressure exceeds charge pressure, the seal automatically prevents reverse flow, maintaining pressure separation without additional control mechanisms
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 controllable fluid performance and clutch responsiveness, reducing the complexity and cost of fluid routing while maintaining efficient power transmission from the engine to the transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A torque converter is a hydrodynamic device positioned between the engine and transmission of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a bias member between the coverside plate and the piston, the bias member being configured to bias the clutch assembly into a disengaged position
Implementation Method 3
the bidirectional seal is configured to allow for an increased flow volume from the charge circuit into the apply circuit as compared to a flow volume from the apply circuit into the charge circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter assembly configured to be connected between an engine and a transmission in a vehicle. The torque converter assembly comprises a cover plate, a pump, a turbine, a stator, and a clutch assembly operably connected between the cover plate and the turbine. The clutch assembly comprises a coverside plate, a turbine-side plate, and a piston located at least partially between the coverside plate and the turbine-side plate. A charge circuit is configured at least partially between the cover plate and the coverside plate, a compensation circuit is configured at least partially between the coverside plate and the piston, and an apply circuit is configured at least partially between the piston and the turbine-side plate.