Hydrokinetic Torque Converter Turbine Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrokinetic torque converters are complex, cumbersome, and expensive, limiting their performance and cost-effectiveness in vehicular driveline applications.
Innovation Solution
A hydrokinetic torque converter design featuring a stator assembly with an annular stator hub, core ring, and integral stator blades made from low friction plastic materials, and a turbine assembly comprising separately formed turbine components assembled using snap fasteners for improved assembly efficiency and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If turbine blades are separately stamped and mechanically attached to the turbine shell, then assembly flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine blade and turbine shell are merged into a single integrally formed component made of plastic material. The injection molding process directly forms the turbine shell with integrated turbine blades, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and mechanical attachment steps, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic injection molding process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the turbine shell structure, creates the turbine blades, and integrates them into a single component. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional multi-step process of separate stamping and mechanical assembly
2Strength
If conventional steel materials are used for turbine components, then strength is improved, but material cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The material is changed from conventional steel to plastic material through parameter change. This substitution reduces both material cost and weight while maintaining the necessary structural strength for turbine operation, demonstrating a fundamental material parameter change to resolve the contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes plastic material as a composite alternative to traditional steel, achieving a balance between strength requirements and cost/weight reduction. The plastic material provides sufficient structural integrity while being more cost-effective and lighter than steel
3Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are assembled, then ease of repair is improved, but assembly time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine shell and turbine blades are combined into a single integrally formed component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This merger significantly increases assembly speed and productivity while the entire turbine assembly can still be replaced as a unit for maintenance, preserving ease of repair at the assembly level
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 enhances the performance and cost-effectiveness of hydrokinetic torque converters by simplifying assembly, reducing material costs, and optimizing mass and strength through the use of low friction plastics and innovative assembly methods.
Implementation Method 1
made from low friction plastic materials
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrokinetic torque converter comprises a stator assembly and a turbine assembly rotatable about a rotational axis. The stator assembly comprises a stator comprising an annular stator hub coaxial to the rotational axis, an annular turbine core ring coaxial to the rotational axis, and a plurality of stator blades integral with and interconnecting the stator hub and the turbine core ring. The turbine assembly comprises a first turbine component coaxial with the rotational axis, and a second turbine component non-moveably secured to the turbine component coaxially therewith. The first turbine component is formed separately from the second turbine component. The first turbine component has a plurality of first turbine blade members integrally formed therewith.