Torque Transmitter Disengagement for Engine Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatically shiftable vehicular transmissions face inefficiencies due to increased engine load when the vehicle stops, as the torque converter slips, leading to decreased operating efficiency and hydraulic fluid heating.
Innovation Solution
A selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism with a main pressure regulator valve that adjusts fluid pressure in response to brake pedal inputs, utilizing a valve spool and sleeve design to manage pressure gain, allowing the torque transmitting mechanism to disengage and re-engage efficiently, thereby reducing engine load and minimizing fluid drive device slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the torque converter slips to decouple the engine from the drivetrain when the vehicle stops, then the engine is protected from load, but the vehicle efficiency decreases and fluid heats up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque transmitting mechanism (clutch) from the torque converter system, allowing direct mechanical disengagement of the engine from the drivetrain when stopping, eliminating the need for torque converter slipping and its associated energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the fluid-based torque converter slipping mechanism with a mechanical clutch engagement/disengagement system, providing more efficient and direct control over engine-load decoupling without the energy waste of fluid friction
2Stress or pressure
If the pump operates at high pressure to supply control pressure, then the transmission control is effective, but more horsepower is required from the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable main pressure regulator valve that can vary the control pressure output based on operating conditions, allowing the system to use lower pressure (and thus less engine power) when high pressure is not needed, while still maintaining effective control when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter dynamically through the adjustable regulator valve, allowing the control pressure to be optimized for each operating condition, reducing the overall horsepower requirement while maintaining effective transmission control
3Force
If additional trim regulator valves are added to control engine load, then the engine load management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the main pressure regulator valve to perform multiple functions: it controls the primary control pressure for the torque transmitting mechanism and can also provide modulated pressure for additional control needs, eliminating the requirement for separate trim regulator valves and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the main pressure regulator and the trim regulator into a single integrated main pressure regulator valve with adjustable output, merging multiple control functions into one component and simplifying the overall control mechanism
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 solution reduces engine load at vehicle stops, enhances transmission efficiency by minimizing slipping and fluid heating, and eliminates the need for additional trim regulator valves, resulting in improved powertrain performance.
Implementation Method 1
A main pressure regulator valve in selective fluid communication with the selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism operates to reduce the fluid pressure below the predetermined value to effect disengagement of the selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism corresponding to a low forward range and having a piston member operable to effect engagement of the selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism in response to a fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus to enable a torque transmitting mechanism within an automatically shiftable power transmission to disengage at vehicle stop such that the slip within a fluid drive device is reduced. When vehicle movement is required a main pressure regulator trims the torque transmitting mechanism into engagement. A method of reducing engine load at vehicle stop by employing the apparatus of the present invention is also provided.