torque converter

plural torque converters

1. engineeringA device that converts the rotational output of a prime mover into work by driving a rotational load. A torque converter functions as a clutch and reduction gear, usually inside an automatic transmission, to allow loose coupling between the driver and the driven, letting the drive (such as a motor or engine) rotate at different speeds from the load (such as a wheel).

   Holonyms: automatic transmission < motor vehicle < vehicle

   2 more examples

   The transmission contains three torque converters. Infinitely-variable torque multiplication is inherent in the design of each hydraulic torque converter, but one is designed to be the most efficient at starting and low speeds, the next for intermediate speeds and the third for high speeds.

   1958 April 28, “British Railways First Main-Line Diesel-Hydraulic Locomotive”, in Railway Magazine, page 265

   The eight-cylinder Rolls-Royce diesel engines drive through "Twin Disc" torque converters up to a speed of some 46 m.p.h., when the drive automatically changes to direct coupling and the torque converter is disengaged.

   1959 December, “Diesel multiple-units on the St. Pancras-Bedford service”, in Trains Illustrated, page 588