High torque capacity reverse clutch
AssigneeSonnax Industries, Inc.
InventorsBrian Rowell, Gregg Nader
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A reverse clutch and planetary gear set are provided that can be installed in an automotive transmission. In some embodiments, the reverse clutch and planetary gear set are configured and dimensioned to be installed in a Powerglide transmission case. In other embodiments, the reverse clutch can have an increased mean diameter. In some embodiments, the reverse clutch can have an increased static holding capacity. In another embodiment, the planetary gear set can have a reduced numerical first gear ratio. In other embodiments, the planetary gear set can have components with increased strength. Methods for modifying a transmission to install a reverse clutch and planetary gear set are also provided.
Claims20
A High Torque Capacity (HTC) reverse clutch kit for modifying a Powerglide-type automobile transmission having a OE Powerglide transmission case comprising:
- a plurality of frictions each having an inner diameter and a friction surface area;
- and
- a plurality of separators configured for operable engagement with the plurality of frictions;
- wherein said plurality of frictions and plurality of separators are configured and dimensioned for assembly into a reverse clutch configured for operation within the OE Powerglide transmission case, each of the plurality of frictions having a smaller friction surface area than a OE Powerglide reverse clutch friction and the reverse clutch having a larger static holding capacity than a OE Powerglide reverse clutch, the reverse clutch being configured and dimensioned to receive and cooperate with a high torque capacity compound planetary gear set having at least one of a numerical first gear ratio equal to or less than approximately 1.64:1, or a higher torque capacity than a OE Powerglide planetary gear set.
A method of modifying a Powerglide-type automobile transmission to increase a reverse clutch holding capacity and reduce a gear ratio thereof, comprising:
- reducing a friction surface area of at least one friction in the reverse clutch;
- increasing free space within an OE Powerglide transmission case sufficient to receive a planetary gear set with a first gear ratio equal to or less than approximately 1.64:1 and a long pinion having a substantially constant maximum outer diameter;
- and
- installing said planetary gear set in said OE Powerglide transmission case.
A method of modifying a Powerglide-type automobile transmission having an OE Powerglide transmission case, a reverse clutch having at least one friction, and a ring gear having an inner diameter defining a planetary gear set space, the method comprising:
- increasing a mean diameter of the at least one friction;
- decreasing a friction surface area of the at least one friction;
- increasing a static holding capacity of the reverse clutch;
- and
- increasing the planetary gear set space such that the modified Powerglide-type transmission is configured and dimensioned to receive a planetary gear set having at least one of a lower numerical gear ratio and higher strength than a OE Powerglide planetary gear set.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.