Torque Converter Cover with Recessed Fastener Indentations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters have a fixed fastener connection to the flexplate, which can result in an increased axial extent and potentially lead to inefficiencies and mechanical stress due to the direct axial extension of fasteners from the cover to the flexplate.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design featuring a cover with recessed indentations for fasteners, allowing for a more compact connection between the cover and the flexplate, with fasteners secured within these indentations, reducing the axial extent of the connection and distributing the torque transmission more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fasteners extend axially from the cover surface to connect to the flexplate, then the connection is simple and direct, but the axial extent increases and stress concentrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are nested within recesses formed in the cover surface, rather than extending outward. This nesting approach reduces the axial extent of the connection structure while maintaining the fastening function, directly resolving the contradiction between connection simplicity and axial length.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having fasteners extend only in the axial dimension, the design introduces radial and circumferential dimensions by forming recesses that accommodate the fasteners. This multi-dimensional approach allows the fasteners to be positioned within the cover thickness rather than extending beyond it, reducing axial extent.
2Ease of manufacture
If fasteners extend axially from the cover surface, then installation is straightforward, but stress concentrations and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting fasteners within recesses in the cover, the design distributes stress more evenly across the cover structure. The recesses provide stress relief by preventing stress concentration at the fastener-root interface, while still allowing straightforward fastener installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses act as pre-formed stress relief features that cushion and distribute loads before they can concentrate at critical points. This beforehand cushioning through geometric design prevents stress concentrations while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Device complexity
If fasteners are positioned on the continuous annular ring surface, then the connection is structurally simple, but torque distribution is less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular ring surface is segmented into discrete recess locations, each accommodating a fastener. This segmentation allows for optimized torque distribution across multiple discrete connection points, improving power transmission efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity through the overall annular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of a uniform continuous surface, the design applies local quality variations by creating recesses at specific locations around the annular ring. This allows each fastener position to be optimized for torque distribution, improving overall power transmission while maintaining the simple annular connection structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter, including: an axis of rotation; a cover arranged to receive torque from an engine; an impeller shell fixedly secured to the cover; at least one impeller blade fixedly secured to the impeller shell; a turbine including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade fixedly secured to the turbine shell; and an output arranged to non-rotatably connect to an input shaft for a transmission. The cover includes a plurality of indentations and a respective fastener located in each indentation and fixedly secured to the cover.