Two-Pass Torque Converter Seal Assembly for Controlled Clutch Apply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unregulated fluid flow between pressure chambers in a two-pass torque converter hampers the transition from a clutch open mode to a clutch closed mode, leading to an unpredictable and uncontrolled transition.
Innovation Solution
A two-pass torque converter with a flow control assembly, including a first seal and a spring, which controls the fluid flow between the release and apply pressure chambers, ensuring a controlled and predictable transition by managing the fluid pressure differential between the chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unregulated fluid flow is allowed between pressure chambers, then the structure is simple, but the transition from clutch open mode to clutch closed mode becomes uncontrolled and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
A flow control assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the release pressure chamber and apply pressure chamber. This assembly includes a piston with flow control holes that mediates the fluid flow, allowing controlled transition while maintaining structural simplicity. The intermediary component regulates the fluid exchange without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control assembly changes the fluid flow parameters by providing restricted flow paths through the piston holes. This controls the rate and pressure of fluid transfer between chambers, transforming the unregulated flow into a controlled process that ensures predictable clutch transition while adding minimal structural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If fluid flows freely between pressure chambers, then manufacturing is simple, but the fluid pressure differential cannot be optimized for controlled transition
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly acts as an intermediary that provides restricted flow paths through the piston holes. This mediates the fluid pressure differential by controlling the rate of fluid transfer between chambers, enabling precise pressure management during clutch transition without requiring complex external pressure control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control holes in the piston provide dynamic flow resistance that adapts to the pressure differential. As pressure changes during transition, the flow characteristics automatically adjust, providing optimized pressure control throughout the transition process while maintaining a relatively simple manufactured structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If no flow control is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the piston plate displacement becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly serves as a mediator that standardizes the fluid flow process between pressure chambers. By providing consistent flow resistance through the piston holes, it ensures repeatable piston plate displacement and clutch transition, eliminating variability while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control holes provide inherent feedback by creating pressure-dependent flow resistance. As the piston moves and pressure differential changes, the flow characteristics automatically adjust to maintain controlled transition, ensuring repeatability without requiring external feedback control systems.
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 flow control assembly enables a controlled and repeatable transition from the clutch open mode to the clutch closed mode by maintaining an optimal fluid pressure differential, ensuring a predictable and repeatable displacement of the piston plate and efficient torque transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connected to the first seal and urging the first seal toward one of the cover or the piston plate
Implementation Method 2
a fluid in the apply pressure chamber is arranged to flow through a gap between the flow control assembly and another of the cover or the piston plate, and into the release pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A two-pass torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeder including an impeller shell connected to the cover and at least one impeller blade fixedly connected to the impeller shell; a turbine including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade fixedly connected to the turbine shell; a lock-up clutch including a piston plate; and a flow control assembly including a first seal and a spring connected to the first seal and urging the first seal toward one of the cover or the piston plate. The cover, the piston plate, and the flow control assembly define, at least partly, a release pressure chamber. The cover, the impeller shell, the piston plate, and the flow control assembly define, at least partly, an apply pressure chamber.