Definition Of Torque
The word comes from the Latin – “to twist” and in mechanics, it is used to denote a force that tends to cause rotation. A simple example being when you attach a wrench to a bolt inserted into a threaded hole and then push or pull on the end of the wrench handle. Your exertions will cause the bolt to rotate in its hole. The torque or rotational force will be a function of the force you put in multiplied by the length of the wrench handle. The reverse of this example is when you have an engine or similar that is producing rotation in a shaft (an automobile’s drive shaft for example). The rotational power being produced is measured as torque.
Definition Of Converter
Whatever field this word is used in, it retains a sole basic meaning, and that is to change. When using a torque wrench we are changing a linear force into a rotational force and in a torque converter we are making changes to a rotational force put into the converter in order to exit the converter changed in some manner. This could be a change in direction, or it might be changes (up or down) in magnitude.
Torque Converter
From the above, it follows that these are used as couplings between a source of rotating power (such as the main engine or electric motor) and the components that are to be rotated in a controlled manner. Most torque converters are fluid couplings. A major example is the converter that has replaced mechanical clutches for vehicles with automatic transmission. This allows the loads in the transmission system to be separated from the power source. Manual cars have a flywheel at the main output from the engine, for automatics, this is replaced by something called a flexplate, and the torque converter will be attached between the engine’s flexplate and the vehicle’s transmission.
The torque convertor will be made from a number of parts each with its own function. There will be a minimum of 3 parts:-
*the impeller (mechanically driven by the engine)
*the turbine which provides the output
*the stator placed between the above parts. Originally this part did not rotate under any circumstances, but it is now usual to mount it on an overrunning clutch.
The torque converter on an automobile is not readily accessible for maintenance and repair. Therefore, it is important that torque converter parts be as reliable as possible.
Raybestos Powertrain, LLC is the current name for an old American company that was part of the development of modern automatic transmission systems, so it is hardly surprising that their torque converter parts are produced to the highest quality. Visit website for more information.
