Torque Converter Stator Assembly With Integrated Washer-Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Known stator assemblies in torque converters require separate components for thrust washer and seal functionality, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A stator assembly with an integrated hydrodynamic washer and seal, comprising a combination washer and seal that includes a first portion axially disposed between the turbine shell and the stator and a second portion extending radially inwardly to seal against the stator shaft, reducing the need for separate components and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for thrust washer and seal functionality, then the torque converter can maintain reliable sealing and thrust support, but the device complexity and parts count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thrust washer and seal into a single integrated combination washer and seal component. This single component includes a first portion that functions as a thrust washer between the turbine shell and stator, and a second portion that extends radially inward to function as a seal against the stator shaft. By merging two separate components into one, the patent reduces parts count and assembly complexity while maintaining both thrust support and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination washer and seal is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The first portion provides thrust washer functionality to support axial loads between the turbine shell and stator, while the second portion provides sealing functionality to prevent fluid leakage against the stator shaft. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for thrust washer and seal functionality, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thrust washer and seal into a single manufactured component. This combination component can be manufactured as one piece using processes such as injection molding or metal forming, which reduces the number of manufacturing operations, material handling steps, and quality inspection points compared to producing two separate components. The integrated design simplifies the supply chain and reduces assembly costs.
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 integrated solution reduces the parts count and complexity of the torque converter, improving operational efficiency and sealing effectiveness while maintaining the functionality of both thrust washer and seal functions.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of the combination washer and seal clamped between the turbine shell and the stator by a pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second portion of the combination washer and seal prevented a flow of the pressurized fluid between the stator shaft and the combination washer and seal
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell connected to the cover and at least one impeller blade; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade; and a stator assembly. The stator assembly includes: a stator including at least one stator blade axially disposed between the turbine and the impeller; a one-way clutch including an outer race non-rotatably connected to the stator and an inner race arranged to non-rotatably connect to a stator shaft; and a combination washer and seal including a first portion axially disposed between the turbine shell and the stator and a second portion extending radially inwardly from the first portion and arranged to at least partially seal against the stator shaft.