Submitted by neonpablo t3_z6484n in explainlikeimfive
griz75 t1_ixzad8t wrote
Its called a torque converter. Simplest way to explain it is that its an automatic clutch that engages/disengages the transmission. At low rpms with the brakes pressed it slips so the transmission sits idle. They are designed to require certain amounts of torgue to engage the transmission to make it work.
neonpablo OP t1_ixzaog6 wrote
Thank you!
AAVale t1_ixzihsc wrote
Specifically the torque converter uses a fluid coupling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluid_coupling
It's a good read!
[deleted] t1_ixzdtbs wrote
[removed]
HereticBatman t1_iy0quz3 wrote
I've asked people before if the brake in automatic vehicles disengages the clutch and I never got an answer.
travelinmatt76 t1_iy2a3ar wrote
Automatics don't have a clutch, they have a fluid coupler, torque converter. Think of it like 2 fans facing each other. The fan attached to the engine is always spinning and blowing on the second fan which makes it spin. Since there is no direct connection you can hold the brake and stop one of the fans.
These old Army Corp film reels are great for learning about mechanical systems. Here's a film about torque converters. https://youtu.be/leCEmJA0WsI
Ndvorsky t1_iy15oa8 wrote
No, that wouldn’t be necessary.
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