A torque converter in a hydrodynamic fluid coupling mechanism that gets used to channel rotating power from a source mover to a driven rotating load. The source movers of the rotating power include electric motors or an internal combustion engine which provide the energy that facilitates the movement of the load. The torque converter replaces the mechanical clutch in an automatic transmission. It gets installed between the engine and the transmission, isolating the engine from the load, enabling the machine to keep on running even in the absence of the load.
Allison torque converter is the industry’s leading manufacturer of transmission products for heavy machinery. An example of the products manufactured includes the Allison torque converter, which fully automates the engine system transmission facilitating a powerful torque, effective horsepower utilization, and smooth power shifts. The torque converter’s unique nature enables it to multiply torque whenever an input and output rotational speed difference occurs. Additionally, some come with temporary locking mechanisms that bind the engine to the transmission when their speeds are the same. The process prevents slippage that leads to efficiency loss. The converters get used for different purposes, and a complete understanding of their parts further gives a clear understanding of their functionality. Some of the parts include:
Pump or impeller
The impeller has angled and curved vanes connected to the engine shaft, getting achieved through the housing that falls between the two parts. The Allison torque converter impeller consists of automatic transmission fluids and rotates with the exact engine speed providing a centrifugal force that pushes the fluid outwards. In addition, the impeller has blades that have gotten designed to direct the fluid pushed outwards to the turbine blades. The whole process makes the pump or impeller act as a centrifugal pump that facilitates the movement of the liquid from the automatic transmission into the turbine. The proper functioning of the pump ensures that the process goes on seamlessly with zero hiccups and loss of efficiency within the system. The design and location of the pump within the torque converter also add up to its functionality and efficiency within the system.
Stator
The stator provides direction to the fluid returning from the turbine to enable it to enter the impeller in the direction of the Allison torque converter impeller rotation, which multiplies the torque. The stator gets located between the turbine and impeller, facilitating torque multiplication through its function of changing the direction of the fluid and enabling it to enter the impeller rotation direction. The stator can change the fluid direction almost up to ninety degrees and is mounted with a one-way clutch which gives room for a one-way rotation, preventing rotation in the opposite direction. The one-way clutch enhances the efficiency of the stator within the system, further making the torque converter provide the necessary transmission to the machines.
Turbine
The turbine gets connected to the input shaft of the automatic transmission on the engine side with angled and curved blades. The Allison torque converter turbine blades get designed to completely change the fluid direction, which forces the blades to move in the direction of the impeller. As a result, when the turbine rotates, the transmission input shaft also moves, thereby causing a motion of the load. Additionally, the turbine has a lock-up clutch at the back, which comes in handy when the torque converter reaches the coupling point, eliminating losses and improving the converter’s efficiency.
The proper functioning of the various Allison torque converter parts allows the transmission objective to be achieved effectively. First, the engine runs, rotating the impeller, which causes the centrifugal force to push the oil inside the torque converter and direct it to the turbine. Then, as the oil hits the turbine blades, the turbine begins to rotate, making the whole transmission system rotate and move the load. And when the engine stops, the turbines also stop, but the engine-connected impeller still moves, which keeps the machine on. The efficient functioning of the various parts facilitates the successful completion of tasks within the industry with minimized or no efficiency losses. However, a damaged part causes a dent in the whole system, making it very hard to perform takes effectively hence the need for urgent repair and maintenance checks to keep the machine functioning at optimum levels.
