Torque Split Automatic Transmission Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic transmissions face challenges in increasing torque delivery capacity without compromising fuel efficiency and installability due to the need for stronger axles and more friction members, which leads to increased weight and size, and requires significant design changes and development costs.
Innovation Solution
A torque split type automatic transmission that divides engine torque into two paths, with one path directly connected to the driving wheel and the other path featuring a torque converter and multiple-shift transmission device in series, allowing for increased torque output while reducing the load on these components, thereby minimizing weight and size increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the strength of the axle is strengthened to increase torque delivery capacity, then torque delivery capacity is improved, but weight of the axle should be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into two separate paths: a first path that directly transmits engine torque to the transmission device, and a second path that transmits torque through a torque converter to the transmission device. This segmentation allows each path to handle a portion of the total torque, reducing the torque burden on individual components and enabling the use of lighter axles while maintaining overall torque delivery capacity.
2Strength
If the number of friction members is increased to increase torque delivery capacity, then torque delivery capacity is improved, but size of the transmission should be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into two parallel power delivery paths with separate friction members in each path. The first path includes friction members (such as clutches or brakes) that operate independently from the second path's friction members. This segmentation allows the friction members in each path to be optimized for their specific torque handling requirements, reducing the overall size compared to a single-path system that would require oversized friction members to handle the full torque.
3Strength
If design of the launching device such as the torque converter is changed to increase torque capacity, then torque capacity is improved, but much development cost and time is needed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of redesigning the torque converter to handle increased torque, the system segments the torque delivery so that the torque converter only needs to handle a portion of the total engine torque (through the second path). This allows the use of existing, proven torque converter designs with known performance characteristics, avoiding the need for expensive and time-consuming redesigns while still achieving the overall torque capacity enhancement through the dual-path architecture.
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
This approach enhances torque delivery capacity without increasing the size or weight of the transmission, improving fuel efficiency and reducing development costs by allowing for smaller and lighter components in the torque converter and transmission device.
Implementation Method 1
a launching device which increases the torque and delivers the torque to the transmission device
Data Source
AI summary
A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits the torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque is provided, wherein the torque of the engine is divided into two portions by a torque split device and each portion of the torque is transmitted respectively to first and second power delivery paths, wherein the first power delivery path is directly connected to a driving wheel, and wherein the second power delivery path is provided with a launching device and a transmission device disposed in series so as to increase the torque, and output of the second power delivery path is added to the torque of the first power delivery path to output the final torque.