Turbine Shell Integrated Stiffening Elements Torque Converter

The patent applies local quality by integrating stiffening elements only in specific regions of the turbine shell where structural support is most needed. The stiffening elements are positioned to provide localized reinforcement against fluid forces and rotational stresses, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire shell. This targeted approach improves structural strength where required while minimizing additional weight compared to comprehensive brazing.

The patent merges the stiffening function directly into the turbine shell structure by integrating stiffening elements during the stamping process. This combination eliminates the need for separate brazing operations and additional weight from brazing materials. The stiffening elements become an inherent part of the shell structure, providing strength without the penalties of additive manufacturing or thermal joining processes.

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating stiffening elements into the turbine shell during the initial stamping process. The stiffening features are formed as integral parts of the shell structure before any assembly or joining operations. This upfront integration eliminates subsequent brazing steps, reducing production complexity and cost while ensuring the structural strength is built-in from the start rather than added later through expensive thermal processes.

The patent extracts the brazing process from the manufacturing sequence entirely by using stamping-formed stiffening elements. By removing the brazing operation, the patent eliminates associated costs including specialized equipment, skilled labor, quality control procedures, and potential rework. The stiffening function is achieved through a simpler, more cost-effective stamping process that integrates structural reinforcement without requiring thermal joining.

The patent applies spheroidality by designing stiffening elements with curved surfaces that match the geometry of the turbine shell. The stamping process forms stiffening features that follow the contours of the curved shell, allowing seamless integration without flat panels or angular components. This curvature matching enables the stiffening elements to conform to the shell's geometry, providing structural support while maintaining the aerodynamic and structural integrity of the curved surface.

The patent merges the stiffening function directly into the turbine shell structure by integrating stiffening elements during the stamping process. This combination eliminates the need for separate brazing operations and additional weight from brazing materials. The stiffening elements become an inherent part of the shell structure, providing strength without the penalties of additive manufacturing or thermal joining processes.