Torque Converter Stator Retaining Assembly Radial Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In torque converters, especially iTC designs, the lack of a bearing between the stator and turbine leads to radial dislodgment and pinching of the stator between turbine and impeller core rings during transport, resulting in scrapped parts due to the gap allowing radial movement.

Innovation Solution

A stator retaining assembly is introduced, featuring an axial protrusion that limits radial movement by contacting the stator body and inner radial extension, preventing the stator from being pinched between core rings, which includes a bent plate, lanced, or extruded tabs to secure the stator in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If no bearing is provided between stator and turbine, then device complexity is reduced, but radial dislodgment and pinching of stator occurs during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing structureVSAvoidstator position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A stator retaining assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the stator and turbine. This assembly includes a turbine retaining assembly with an inwardly extending retaining portion and a stator retaining assembly with an outwardly extending retaining portion that cooperate to prevent radial dislodgment of the stator without requiring a full bearing structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining function is segmented into two separate assemblies: the turbine retaining assembly attached to the turbine and the stator retaining assembly attached to the stator. These segmented components work together to provide the necessary radial constraint while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If gap is provided between stator and turbine, then ease of assembly is improved, but radial movement causes pinching between core rings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidpinching damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining portions extend into the gap between stator and turbine beforehand to prevent radial movement. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful effect of pinching before it can occur during transport or assembly, while still allowing the gap to exist for ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If stator is allowed to move radially, then ease of operation is improved, but contact with core rings causes part scrapage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestator mobilityVSAvoidpart scrapage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining portions provide localized radial constraint at specific positions where the stator and turbine interfaces exist, while allowing freedom of movement in other directions. This local quality approach prevents pinching damage at critical locations while maintaining operational mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10816068B2Torque converter including stator and turbine assembly for limiting radial movement of the stator

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A torque converter includes a turbine including a plurality of turbine blades and an inner radial extension radially inward from the turbine blades. The torque converter also includes a stator including a plurality of stator blades and a stator body supporting the stator blades. At least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body is provided with a stator retaining assembly to limit radial movement of the stator with respect to the turbine.