Torque Converter Spacer Plate Diaphragm Spring Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters require additional outer diameter tabs on diaphragm springs to maintain preload and transmit torque, which can lead to increased bending moments and reduced fatigue life.
Innovation Solution
A spacer plate is used to capture the diaphragm spring, eliminating the need for these tabs by directly transmitting torque through the ramp tab to the spacer plate, thereby maintaining preload and reducing bending moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If additional outer diameter tabs are added to the diaphragm spring to maintain preload and transmit torque, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but the bending moments increase and fatigue life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the diaphragm spring and the turbine piston. The spacer plate receives torque from the ramp tab of the diaphragm spring and transmits it to the turbine piston, eliminating the need for additional outer diameter tabs on the diaphragm spring. This mediator approach allows torque transmission while reducing bending moments on the diaphragm spring, thereby extending its fatigue life.
2Force
If additional outer diameter tabs are added to the diaphragm spring, then the structure can maintain preload, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer plate combines multiple functions into a single component: it maintains preload on the diaphragm spring, transmits torque from the ramp tab, and provides a mounting surface for the bias spring. By merging these functions into one component rather than using multiple tabs on the diaphragm spring, the overall structure becomes simpler while achieving the same mechanical objectives.
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 extends the fatigue life of the torque converter by locally transferring torque at the outer diameter tab and eliminating bending moments, enhancing the durability of the component.
Implementation Method 1
a bias spring. The spacer plate retains the bias spring on the turbine piston with a preload force
Implementation Method 2
Torque is advantageously transferred locally at the outer diameter tab and bending moment is practically eliminated, thus extending fatigue life
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes a damper assembly and a turbine assembly connected to the damper assembly. The turbine assembly includes an axially movable turbine piston, a spacer plate fixed to the turbine piston and a bias spring. The spacer plate retains the bias spring on the turbine piston with a preload force. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided. The method includes providing a bias spring contacting a front cover side surface of a turbine piston; and fixing a spacer plate to the turbine piston such that the spacer plate holds the bias spring against the front cover side surface of the turbine piston.