Torque Divider With Lockup Clutch for Hydraulic Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque converters are less efficient, result in poor fuel economy, and incur hydraulic losses, especially in larger vehicles, requiring larger sizes and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A torque converter with a torque divider and a lockup clutch that splits prime mover input torque into planetary system and second torque, allowing for efficient torque transfer and reducing hydraulic losses by locking rotating components, thereby improving fuel economy and reducing size and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a torque converter is used to transfer rotational torque from the prime mover to the transmission, then torque multiplication is achieved, but efficiency is reduced and fuel economy deteriorates due to hydraulic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The torque converter is segmented into two independent torque conversion paths: a first torque converter for low-speed/high-torque conditions and a second torque converter for high-speed/low-torque conditions. This segmentation allows each converter to operate in its optimal efficiency range, reducing overall hydraulic losses while maintaining torque multiplication capability across the full operating range
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first and second torque converters based on operating conditions (speed and torque requirements). The clutch mechanism enables dynamic engagement/disengagement of the second torque converter, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions and minimize energy losses by using the most efficient converter for each operating point
2Force
If a larger sized torque converter is used to meet increased torque requirements of larger vehicles, then torque capacity is increased, but production cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large torque converter to handle all torque requirements, the system uses two smaller torque converters with different characteristics. The first converter handles high-torque low-speed conditions, while the second handles low-torque high-speed conditions. This segmentation allows each converter to be smaller and more cost-effective while collectively meeting the total torque capacity requirements of large vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The dual torque converter system provides multi-functionality by covering both high-torque and low-torque operating ranges with two specialized converters. This approach allows the system to meet diverse torque requirements without needing an oversized single converter, reducing production costs and space requirements while maintaining universal applicability across different vehicle loads
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 torque converter with a torque divider and lockup clutch enhances efficiency, improves fuel economy, reduces hydraulic losses, and minimizes component size and production costs, making it suitable for use in vehicles, including earthmoving and mining machines.
Implementation Method 1
A torque converter is generally a hydrodynamic fluid coupling that typically transfers the rotational torque from a prime mover to a driven load such as a transmission
Implementation Method 2
a lockup clutch configured to lock rotating components of at least one of the torque converter and the torque divider
Data Source
AI summary
A torque converter and torque divider includes a prime mover input and a torque converter. The torque converter and torque divider further includes a torque divider configured to receive the prime mover input and divide the prime mover input torque into at least a planetary system input torque and a second torque. A planetary gear system is configured to receive the planetary system input torque. The torque converter and torque divider further includes a lockup clutch configured to lock rotating components of at least one of the torque converter and the torque divider and further includes a torque output.