Hydrokinetic Torque Coupling Seal Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrokinetic torque converters face challenges in accurately controlling the position of the turbine wheel and preventing damage due to frictional torque and dimension tolerance issues, especially in back operation modes, where the turbine wheel may be axially pushed back, potentially causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A hydrokinetic torque coupling device with a seal positioned on the radially external periphery of the turbine wheel that rests on a matching sealing surface on the impeller wheel in the engaged position, maximizing axial stress and torque transmission while preventing wear, and a bracing member to limit axial motion and control the turbine wheel's position, reducing friction and increasing service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radially internal periphery of the guiding washer rests on a radial part of the cover to limit turbine wheel motion, then the motion of the turbine wheel is limited, but the position control becomes inaccurate due to dimension tolerance accumulation and significant frictional torque is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the guiding washer's radial surface and relocates it to the radially external periphery of the turbine wheel. This separates the motion limiting function (performed by the guiding washer on the cover) from the sealing function (performed by the seal on the turbine wheel periphery), eliminating the need for the guiding washer to have both functions simultaneously, thus reducing frictional torque while maintaining position control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the sealing surface on the radially internal periphery of the guiding washer (conventional approach), the patent inverts the location to the radially external periphery of the turbine wheel. This inversion allows the seal to rest on a matching sealing surface on the impeller wheel or a part rotationally coupled to it, maximizing axial stress while minimizing frictional torque on the guiding washer.
2Power
If the seal is positioned on the radially external periphery of the turbine wheel to maximize axial stress, then torque transmission is enhanced, but wear may occur if the seal contacts the impeller wheel during back operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the seal's contact status dynamic rather than static. During normal operation, the seal rests on the matching sealing surface to maximize axial stress and torque transmission. During back operation when the turbine wheel may be axially pushed back, the seal naturally disengages from the sealing surface, preventing wear. This dynamic adaptation to different operational conditions resolves the contradiction between torque transmission and wear prevention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the turbine wheel is allowed to move axially during back operation to prevent damage, then operational flexibility is improved, but position control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functions of different components: the guiding washer and cover handle axial motion limiting and position control during normal operation, while the seal on the turbine wheel periphery provides sealing and torque transmission. During back operation, the turbine wheel can move axially within controlled limits without compromising the sealing function, as the seal disengages naturally. This segmentation allows operational flexibility while maintaining position control accuracy when needed.
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 solution significantly increases axial stress and clutching stress, enhances torque transmission, prevents seal wear, and accurately controls the turbine wheel's position, thereby improving the service life and operational efficiency of the hydrokinetic coupling device.
Implementation Method 1
the radially external periphery of the turbine wheel comprises a seal able to come to rest onto a matching sealing surface positioned radially outside the turbine wheel, onto the impeller wheel or onto a part rotationally coupled to the impeller wheel in the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
an impeller wheel intended to be coupled to a crankshaft and able to hydrokinetically drive a turbine wheel into rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrokinetic torque coupling device includes a turbine wheel (3), an impeller wheel (2) able to hydrokinetically drive the turbine wheel (3), a cover (5) non-rotatably attached to the impeller wheel (2) so as to define an internal volume (6) accommodating the turbine wheel (3), and a seal (18) mounted to a radially external periphery of the turbine wheel (3). The turbine wheel (3) being able to be axially moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The seal (18) configured to engage one of a matching sealing surface (22) of the impeller wheel (2) positioned radially outside the turbine wheel (3) and the cover (5) in the engaged position and to be disengaged from one of the matching sealing surface (22) the impeller wheel (2) and the cover (5) in the disengaged position.