Allison Transmission has been granted a patent for a torque converter assembly that includes a clutch assembly with a backing plate assembly. The backing plate assembly is designed to resist axial movement when a piston applies force to the clutch plate. GlobalData’s report on Allison Transmission gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Allison Transmission, hybrid powertrains was a key innovation area identified from patents. Allison Transmission's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Torque converter assembly with a backing plate assembly
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11686377B2) describes a backing plate assembly for use in a clutch assembly. The assembly includes a first member and a second member that are coupled together at two radially spaced locations. The second member contains a backing plate that is aligned with at least one clutch plate to resist axial movement when a piston applies force to the clutch plate.
The second member of the assembly defines a hub portion, which may be positioned around a turbine hub. The first member is coupled to the second member at a location near the hub portion and another location near the backing plate. The first member and second member each have bends defined within them, with different profiles for each bend.
Additionally, the second member includes a first lip at the innermost portion of the assembly, a second lip at the outermost portion, and a hub portion sized to fit around a turbine hub. The second member also features at least one finger that engages with a clutch plate or reaction plate of the clutch assembly. This finger is located between the hub portion and the second lip and extends perpendicular to the annular surface of the backing plate.
The patent also describes a method of forming the backing plate assembly. The method involves forming the first member and second member separately and then coupling them together at two radially spaced locations. A hub portion is formed in the second member, and a lip is formed at the outermost portion. The backing plate is aligned with the clutch plate to resist axial movement when a piston applies force.
Overall, this patent presents a novel design for a backing plate assembly in a clutch assembly. The assembly's unique features, such as the hub portion, lips, and fingers, provide improved resistance to axial movement and enhance the overall performance of the clutch assembly. The method of forming the assembly ensures proper alignment and functionality. This patent could have significant implications for the automotive industry, particularly in the development of more efficient and reliable clutch systems.
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