Torque Converter Thrust Balancing for Lock-Up Clutch Slip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque converters overload the lock-up clutch with turbine thrust, preventing desired slip during a coast condition.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter design with balanced turbine thrust loading, featuring a cover, impeller, turbine, stator, vibration damper, hub, lock-up clutch, and washers, which allows for axial displacement and gap maintenance to enable slip of the lock-up clutch during coast conditions by distributing thrust loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the turbine thrust is directly transmitted to the lock-up clutch, then the lock-up clutch closing force is improved, but the lock-up clutch slip capability during coast condition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a washer positioned between the turbine and the lock-up clutch piston as an intermediary element. This washer redistributes the turbine thrust, preventing direct overload of the lock-up clutch while maintaining sufficient closing force. The intermediary washer enables the clutch to slip during coast conditions by balancing the thrust loading, thus resolving the contradiction between closing force and slip capability.
2Productivity
If the turbine thrust is increased to improve torque transmission, then the torque converter efficiency is improved, but the lock-up clutch is overloaded and cannot slip during coast condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thrust distribution parameters by introducing the washer element, which changes how turbine thrust is transmitted to the lock-up clutch. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high torque converter efficiency while preventing clutch overload, enabling reliable operation including slip capability during coast conditions.
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
Enables balanced turbine thrust loading, assisting in the closure of the lock-up clutch and allowing for useful slip during coast conditions, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the torque converter.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration damper including a cover plate, an output flange arranged to non-rotatably connect to an input shaft of a transmission, and a spring engaged with the cover plate and the output flange
Implementation Method 2
a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller... generates a thrust in an axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque and supported for rotation around an axis of rotation; an impeller; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller; a stator including a stator blade axially disposed between the turbine and the impeller; a vibration damper including a cover plate, an output flange arranged to non-rotatably connect to an input shaft of a transmission, and a spring engaged with the cover plate and the output flange; a hub non-rotatably connected to the cover; a lock-up clutch including a piston plate; and a first washer directly connected to the output flange, axially disposed between the hub and the output flange, and separated, in an axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation, from the hub by a first gap. A straight line, parallel to the axis of rotation, passes through, in sequence, the output flange, the first washer, and the hub.