Torque Converter Stator with Non-Ruled Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional torque converters with ruled blade surfaces experience fluid losses due to turbulence, leading to efficiency deterioration and increased size requirements, which is exacerbated by smaller channel dimensions in modern transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter with a stator featuring non-ruled blades and a thrust washer with curved grooves, designed to reduce fluid separation and turbulence by optimizing fluid flow geometry, including convex and concave edges, airfoil shapes, and varying groove widths and protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional ruled blade surfaces are used in torque converters, then manufacturing is simpler, but fluid losses increase due to turbulence and fluid separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the blade surfaces by using non-ruled surfaces with varying cross-sectional shapes along the blade length. The blades feature curved leading and trailing edges with different radii of curvature, replacing traditional straight-edged ruled surfaces. This curvature optimization reduces fluid separation and turbulence, directly addressing the energy loss problem while accepting increased geometric complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If torque converter size is decreased to fit modern transmissions, then space efficiency improves, but fluid channel dimensions decrease leading to increased fluid losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the blade surfaces by implementing non-ruled surfaces with specific curvature characteristics. The leading and trailing edges have optimized radius of curvature values that vary along the blade span. This parameter optimization allows smaller channel dimensions while maintaining acceptable fluid flow characteristics and reducing turbulence-induced energy losses.
3Ease of manufacture
If straight grooves are used on the thrust washer, then manufacturing is easier, but fluid flow optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the thrust washer grooves by using arc-shaped patterns instead of straight lines. The grooves follow curved paths on the thrust washer surface, creating optimized fluid flow channels. This curved groove geometry improves fluid distribution and flow rate while accepting slightly increased manufacturing complexity compared to simple straight grooves.
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
The design significantly reduces fluid losses, increases fluid flow rate, and enhances torque converter efficiency, allowing for a smaller, more efficient torque converter that minimizes back pressure and improves performance.
Implementation Method 1
Non-linear edges give the stator blades non-ruled surfaces which serve to decrease fluid separation from the blade surfaces
Implementation Method 2
fluid losses are generated when the fluid flow becomes turbulent
Implementation Method 3
the curvature of the front surface of the thrust washer allows for a greater reduction in the velocity of the fluid traveling through the groove which, in turn, lessens fluid turbulence
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a torque converter, and more particularly, to a torque converter containing a stator (103) having blades with nonlinear edges (130, 132) and non-ruled surfaces to increase fluid flow within the torque converter and improve the performance thereof.