Torque converter
US7080720B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2045/0289
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved torque converter that results in greater fuel efficiency and more horsepower with a lower failure rate. The improved torque converter has a greater lock-up surface area than an original equipment torque converter to reduce slippage. The lock-up surface area can be provided from a wider friction lining material, a floating clutch, and/or a floating clutch plate. An improved stator contributes to fuel efficiency. In one aspect, the torque converter has a novel thrust washer that has parabolic shaped grooves to facilitate lubrication and reduce failure of the bearing thrust washer. In one aspect the torque converter uses brazed blades to reduce vibration and strengthen the blades to make them more resistant to distortion and failure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.