Variable pitch stator with passive control
US5307629A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 3, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2045/0294
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A three element fluid torque converter has a variable pitch stator. The stator blades have two principal orientations, closed and open. The blades are biased toward the closed position by a spring loaded annular piston. In the closed position, the blades block approximately 75% to 90% of the annular area between a stator core and a stator shell. An inlet angle for the stator blades is between 30 degrees and 70 degrees in the closed position. This combination reduces creep torque without any significant increase in driveline noise and vibration when the engine is idling. As engine speed and torque are increased, the blades overcome the spring bias to rotate to the open position thereby increasing the torque transmitted to effectively propel the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.