Torque Converter Lock-Up Stopper Layout for Wear-Resistant Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stopper mechanism in lock-up devices for torque converters faces challenges in inhibiting abrasion due to high load on the engaging portion and difficulty in producing a sufficient margin of overlap, leading to unreliable engagement and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
The stopper mechanism is repositioned axially between the elastic members and the outer peripheral part of the turbine shell, allowing for a larger space and reduced load on the engaging portion, with a stopper pawl and cutout design that provides a sufficient margin of overlap and restricts the torsion angle, eliminating the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stopper mechanism is disposed radially between the inner peripheral side springs and the outer peripheral side springs, then the stopper mechanism can restrict the torsion angle, but a large load is borne by the engaging portion and it is difficult to produce a sufficient margin of overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is relocated from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement, changing the spatial dimension of engagement. The stopper pawls are disposed axially between the outer peripheral side springs and the outer peripheral part of the turbine shell, allowing the engaging portions to overlap in the axial direction rather than radially, thereby distributing the load and ensuring sufficient margin of overlap
2Reliability
If the stopper mechanism is disposed radially between the inner peripheral side springs and the outer peripheral side springs, then the torsion angle can be restricted, but abrasion of the engaging portion cannot be effectively inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is relocated from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement, changing the spatial dimension of engagement. The stopper pawls are disposed axially between the outer peripheral side springs and the outer peripheral part of the turbine shell, allowing the engaging portions to overlap in the axial direction rather than radially, thereby distributing the load and ensuring sufficient margin of overlap
3Volume of moving object
If the stopper pawls and cutouts are engaged in a narrow axial space, then the stopper mechanism can be compact, but a sufficient margin of overlap cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is relocated from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement, changing the spatial dimension of engagement. The stopper pawls are disposed axially between the outer peripheral side springs and the outer peripheral part of the turbine shell, allowing the engaging portions to overlap in the axial direction rather than radially, thereby distributing the load and ensuring sufficient margin of overlap
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 effectively inhibits abrasion of the engaging portion by reducing the load and ensuring a reliable overlap, enhancing the durability and performance of the stopper mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic members which elastically couple an outer peripheral part of the first rotary member and an outer peripheral part of the second rotary member in a rotational direction
Data Source
AI summary
A lock-up device for a torque converter is disclosed. The lock-up device includes a clutch part, first and second rotary members, a plurality of elastic members and a stopper mechanism. The clutch part is provided between a front cover and a turbine, and transmits the torque inputted to the front cover to the turbine. The first rotary member is disposed between the clutch part and the turbine. The second rotary member is rotatable relative to the first rotary member. The elastic members elastically couple an outer peripheral part of the first rotary member and an outer peripheral part of the second rotary member in a rotational direction. The stopper mechanism is disposed axially between the elastic members and an outer peripheral part of a turbine shell. The stopper mechanism includes an engaging portion restricting an angular range of relative rotation between the first rotary member and the second rotary member.