최소 단어 이상 선택하여야 합니다.
최대 10 단어까지만 선택 가능합니다.
다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
NTIS 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
DataON 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Edison 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Kafe 바로가기국가/구분 | United States(US) Patent 등록 |
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 | US-0458926 (2003-06-11) |
발명자 / 주소 |
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 | 피인용 횟수 : 2 인용 특허 : 90 |
A system and method are shown for reducing material in a core which receives a plurality of segments. The invention may further include a plurality of segmented pieces that are arranged to provide a plurality of gaps that lie in a predetermined sweep angle and that may comprise a scoop for facilitat
A system and method are shown for reducing material in a core which receives a plurality of segments. The invention may further include a plurality of segmented pieces that are arranged to provide a plurality of gaps that lie in a predetermined sweep angle and that may comprise a scoop for facilitating channeling fluid into a gap between adjacent material segments. Various manufacturing approaches are also disclosed for manufacturing and assembling a ring for use in a traditional transmission or clutch plate manufacturing and assembly system.
What is claimed is: 1. A clutch plate comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core a first one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a first edge and a second one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a second edge, said f
What is claimed is: 1. A clutch plate comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core a first one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a first edge and a second one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a second edge, said first and second edges cooperating to define a gap therebetween, at least a portion of said gap being defined by said core and said first and second edges; and said first one of said plurality of friction material segments comprising a first outer edge and a corner between said outer edge and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of material segments; at least a portion of said second edge comprising a curvature defining a sweep angle and cooperating with said corner to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap when said core rotates. 2. The clutch plate as recited in claim 1 wherein said curvature has a radius that is not constant. 3. The clutch plate as recited in claim 1 wherein only said second edge defines said sweep angle. 4. The clutch plate as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define a scoop having a predefined scoop size. 5. The clutch plate as recited in claim 3 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define a scoop having a predefined scoop size. 6. The clutch plate as recited in claim 4 wherein said predefined scoop size makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of said core. 7. The clutch plate as recited in claim 5 wherein said predefined scoop size makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of said core. 8. The clutch plate as recited in claim 1 wherein said first edge is straight and at least a portion of said second edge is curved to define said sweep angle. 9. The clutch plate as recited in claim 1 wherein said gap defines a channel area coupling said inlet area to said outlet area, said inlet area being larger than said outlet area or larger than minimum channel width. 10. The clutch plate as recited in claim 9 wherein said inlet area, said outlet area and said channel area are defined by said first edge and said second edge, wherein an inlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said inlet area is greater than an outlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said outlet area. 11. The clutch plate as recited in claim 1 wherein said second edge is non-linear and defines a partial spiral that curves in a direction opposite to the direction said core rotates during use, similar to the direction said core rotates during use, or a combination of both, depending on the specific application. 12. The clutch plate as recited in claim 1 wherein said first edge comprises a first edge start point, a first edge termination point and a first edge length therebetween, said second edge comprises a second edge start point, a second edge termination point and a second edge length therebetween, said first edge length being smaller than said second edge length. 13. The clutch plate as recited in claim 12 wherein said first edge length is at least 10 percent being smaller than said second edge length. 14. The clutch plate as recited in claim 12 wherein said inlet area faces upstream of a flow moving around an outer edge of said core, downstream of a flow moving around an outer edge of said core, or a combination of both. 15. The clutch plate as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of material segments comprises a side that may be used to define said first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing side that is curved that may be used to define said second edge. 16. A clutch plate comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core a first one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a first edge and a second one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a second edge, said first and second edges cooperating to define a gap therebetween; and said first one of said plurality of friction material segments comprising a first outer edge and a corner between said first outer edge of said first edge of said first one of said plurality of material segments; at least a portion of said second edge defining a sweep angle and cooperating with said corner to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap when said core rotates, wherein at least one of said first edge and said second edge comprises a locating aperture or locating surface for facilitating locating said plurality of friction material segments on said core. 17. A clutch plate comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core a first one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a first edge and a second one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a second edge, said first and second edges cooperating to define a gap therebetween; and said first one of said plurality of friction material segments comprising a first outer edge and a corner between said first outer edge and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of material segments; at least a portion of said second edge defining a sweep angle and cooperating with said corner to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap when said core rotates; wherein an interior edge of at least one of said plurality of friction material segments comprises a recessed area that causes a negative pressure to pull fluid through said gap. 18. A power transmission assembly comprising: a plurality of friction plates, each separated by a reaction plate; at least one of said plurality of friction plates comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core such that at least two adjacent segments cooperate with said core to define a gap, with said core defining one boundary surface or wall of said gap; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; and a corner radius joining an outer edge on said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width and at least one of said first edge or said second edge having a curvature that defines a sweep angle, said gap width and said sweep angle and said corner radius being selected to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area facilitates causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said core rotates. 19. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said curvature is not constant. 20. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said sweep angle is at least 6 degrees. 21. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define a scoop having a predefined scoop size. 22. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define a scoop having a predefined scoop size. 23. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein said predefined scoop size makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of said core. 24. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein said predefined scoop size makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of said core. 25. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein at least a portion of said first edge is straight and said second edge is curved to define said scoop. 26. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said gap defines a channel area coupling said inlet area to said outlet area, said inlet area being larger than said outlet area. 27. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 26 wherein said inlet area, said outlet area and said channel area are defined by said first edge and said second edge, wherein an inlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said inlet area is greater than an outlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said outlet area. 28. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein at least a portion of said second edge is non-linear and defines a partial spiral that curves in a direction either opposite the direction said core rotates during use, similar to the direction said core rotates during use, or a combination of both, depending on the specific application. 29. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said first edge comprises a first edge start point, a first edge termination point and a first edge length therebetween, said second edge comprises a second edge start point, a second edge termination point and a second edge length therebetween, said first edge length being smaller than said second edge length. 30. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 29 wherein said first edge length is at least 10 percent being smaller than said second edge length. 31. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 29 wherein said inlet area faces upstream of a flow moving around an outer edge of said core, downstream of a flow moving around an outer edge of said core, or a combination of both. 32. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein each of said plurality of friction material segments comprises said first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing edge that is curved. 33. A power transmission assembly comprising: a plurality of friction plates, each separated by a reaction plate; at least one of said plurality of friction plates comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; and a corner radius between an outer edge on said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width and at least one of said first edge or said second edge defining a sweep angle, said gap width and said sweep angle and said corner radius being selected to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area facilitates causing an in let pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said core rotates, wherein each of said plurality of friction material segments comprises said first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing edge that is curved, wherein at least one of said first edge and said second edge comprises a locating aperture or locating surface for facilitating locating said plurality of friction material segments on said core. 34. A torque converter assembly comprising: a piston plate; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said piston plate such that at least two adjacent segments cooperate with a portion of said piston plate to define a gap therebetween at least a portion of said gap being defined by said core and said first and second edges; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; and a corner joining the outer edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width, at least one of said first edge or second edge defining a sweep angle, said gap width, said sweep angle and said corner define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area facilitates causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said piston plate rotates. 35. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein said second edge defines said sweep angle. 36. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein said sweep angle is at least 6 degrees. 37. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define a scoop having a predefined scoop size. 38. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define a scoop having a predefined scoop size. 39. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 37 wherein said predefined scoop size makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of piston plate. 40. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 38 wherein said predefined scoop size makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of piston plate. 41. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 37 wherein said first edge is straight and at least a portion of said second edge is curved to define said scoop. 42. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein said gap defines a channel area coupling said inlet area to said outlet area, said inlet area being larger than said outlet area or larger than minimum channel width. 43. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein an inlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said inlet area is greater than an outlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said outlet area. 44. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein said second edge is non-linear and defines a partial spiral that curves in a direction opposite the direction said piston plate rotates during use or that the fluid flows if the piston plate is stationary. 45. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein said first edge comprises a first edge start point, a first edge termination point and a first edge length therebetween, said second edge comprises a second edge start point, a second edge termination point and a second edge length therebetween, said first edge length being smaller than said second edge length. 46. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 45 wherein said first edge length is at least 10 percent being smaller than said second edge length. 47. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 45 wherein said inlet area faces upstream of a flow moving around an outer edge of said piston plate or opposite the direction said piston plate rotates during use. 48. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein said gap provides a flow of at least 1000 ml/mm when said piston plate revolves in excess of 25 RPM and said inlet area of said gap comprises a scoop exposed to pressure of at least 400 kPa. 49. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein an interface temperature decreases by approximately 40째 C. due to gap providing a flow of at least 1000 ml/mm when said piston plate revolves in excess of 25 RPM and said inlet area of said gap comprises a scoop exposed to pressure of at least 400 kPa. 50. The torque converter assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein each of said plurality of material segments comprises an edge that may be used to define said first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing edge that is curved. 51. A torque converter assembly comprising: a piston plate; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said piston plate such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; and a corner joining the outer edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width, at least one of said first edge or second edge defining a sweep angle, said gap width, said sweep angle and said corner define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area facilitates causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said piston plate rotates; wherein each of said plurality of material segments comprises an edge that may be used to define said first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing edge that is curved; wherein at least one of said first edge and said second edge comprises a locating aperture or locating surface for facilitating locating said plurality of friction material segments on said piston plate. 52. A torque converter assembly comprising: a piston plate; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said piston plate such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; and a corner joining the outer edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width, at least one of said first edge or second edge defining a sweep angle, said gap width, said sweep angle and said corner define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area facilitates causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said piston plate rotates; wherein at least one of said first or second plurality of friction material segments comprises an interior edge comprising a recessed area that causes a negative pressure to pull fluid through said gap. 53. A power transmission assembly comprising: a torque converter assembly comprising: a piston plate; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said piston plate such that at least two adjacent segments cooperate with a surface of said piston plate to define a gap therebetween, said gap having an outlet area and an inlet area; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of segments; and a corner radius between an outer circular edge and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width and at least one of said first edge or second edge having a curvature defining a sweep angle, said inlet area being generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area facilitates causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said piston plate rotates. 54. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein only said second edge defines said sweep angle. 55. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 54 wherein said sweep angle is at least 6 degrees. 56. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define a scoop having a predefined scoop size. 57. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 54 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define a scoop having a predefined scoop size. 58. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 56 wherein said predefined scoop size makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of said piston plate. 59. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 57 wherein said predefined scoop size makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of said piston plate. 60. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 56 wherein at least a portion of said first edge is straight and said second edge is curved to define said scoop. 61. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein said gap defines an inlet area, an outlet area and a channel area coupling said inlet area to said outlet area, said inlet area being larger than said outlet area. 62. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein an inlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said inlet area is greater than an outlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said outlet area. 63. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein at least a portion of said second edge is non-linear and defines a partial spiral that curves in a direction either opposite the direction said piston plate rotates during use or that the fluid flows if the piston plate is stationary. 64. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein said first edge comprises a first edge start point, a first edge termination point and a first edge length therebetween, said second edge comprises a second edge start point, a second edge termination point and a second edge length therebetween, said first edge length being smaller than said second edge length. 65. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 64 wherein said first edge length is at least 10 percent being smaller than said second edge length. 66. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 64 wherein said inlet area faces upstream of a flow moving around an outer edge of said piston plate when either said fluid moves around said piston plate while said piston plate is stationary or said fluid moves around said piston plate when said piston rotates. 67. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein said gap provides a flow of at least 1000 ml/mm when said power transmission assembly revolves in excess of 25 RPM and said inlet area of said gap comprises a scoop exposed to pressure of at least 400 kPa. 68. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein said temperature decreases by approximately 40 degrees Celsius due to gap providing a flow of at least 1000 ml/mm when said piston plate revolves in excess of 25 RPM and said inlet area of said gap comprises a scoop exposed to pressure of at least 400 kPa. 69. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 53 wherein each of said plurality of friction material segments comprises a first side that may be used to define said first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing second side that is curved that may be used to define said second edge. 70. The power transmission assembly as recited in claim 69 wherein at least one of said first edge and said second edge comprises a locating aperture or locating surface for facilitating locating said plurality of material segments on said core. 71. A method for increasing fluid flow with increased relative speed between a friction surface of a friction member, and a cooperating surface, said method comprising the steps of: determining a gap width and a sweep angle for a gap between adjacent friction material segments; selecting a first one of said adjacent friction material segments comprising a first edge having a corner comprising a corner radius; said corner causing fluid to be wiped into an inlet area of said gap at a desired rate to cause an inlet pressure; selecting a second one of said adjacent friction material segments comprising a second edge comprising a curved scoop having a scoop shape; processing each of said adjacent friction material segments to provide said first edge that is substantially straight and said second edge comprising at a least a portion that is curved to define said scoop shape; and arranging said adjacent friction material segments such that the first edge of said first one of said adjacent friction material segments is situated on said friction member in generally opposed relationship to said second edge of said second one of said adjacent friction material segments, said first edge and said second edge cooperating with at least a portion of said friction member to define said pap and to provide said inlet area that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area facilitates causing said inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said friction member rotates. 72. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein said scoop shape comprises a sweep angle that is at least 6 degrees. 73. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein at least one of said first edge or said second edge is shaped to define said scoop shape having a predefined scoop size. 74. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein said scoop has a predefined scoop opening that makes up no more than 180 degrees of a total annular radius of said friction member. 75. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein said gap defines a channel area coupling said inlet area to said outlet area, said inlet area being larger than said outlet area. 76. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein an inlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said inlet area is greater than an outlet distance between said first edge and said second edge at said outlet area. 77. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein said second edge is non-linear and defines a partial spiral that curves in a direction opposite the direction said friction member rotates during use, the partial spiral curves in a direction either opposite the direction said friction member rotates during use, similar to the direction said friction member rotates during use, or a combination of both, depending on the specific application. 78. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein said first edge comprises a first edge start point, a first edge termination point and a first edge length therebetween, said second edge comprises a second edge start point, a second edge termination point and a second edge length therebetween, said first edge length being smaller than said second edge length. 79. The method as recited in claim 78 wherein said first edge length is at least 10 percent smaller than said second edge length. 80. The method as recited in claim 78 wherein said inlet area faces upstream of a flow that either moves around an outer edge of said friction member, faces upstream, downstream, or a combination of both in an application that rotates in a stationary fluid. 81. The method as recited in claim 71 for a friction member application wherein said gap provides a flow of at least 1000 ml/mm when said friction member revolves in excess of 25 RPM and said inlet area of said gap comprises said scoop exposed to pressure of at least 400 kPa. 82. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein said temperature decreases by approximately 40 degrees Celsius due to the gap providing a flow of at least 1000 ml/mm when said piston plate revolves in excess of 25 RPM and said inlet area of said gap comprises said scoop exposed to pressure of at least 400 kPa. 83. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein each of said adjacent friction material segments comprises a first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing second edge that is curved. 84. A method for increasing fluid flow with increased relative speed between a friction surface of a friction member, and a cooperating surface, said method comprising the steps of: determining a gap width and a sweep angle for a gap between adjacent friction material segments; selecting a first one of said adjacent friction material segments comprising a first edge and a corner comprising a corner radius; said corner causing fluid to be wiped into an inlet area of said gap at a desired rate to cause an inlet pressure; selecting a second one of said adjacent friction material segments comprising a second edge comprising a scoop having a scoop shape; processing each of said adjacent friction material segments to provide said first edge that is substantially straight and said second edge comprising at a least a portion that is curved to define said scoop shape; and arranging said adjacent friction material segments such that the first edge of said first one of said adjacent friction material segments is situated on said friction member in generally opposed relationship to said second edge of said second one of said adjacent friction material segments, to define said inlet area that is generally wedge-shaped to facilitate causing said inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said friction member rotates, wherein each of said adjacent friction material segments comprises a first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing second edge that is curved, wherein at least one of said first edge and said second edge comprises a locating aperture for facilitating locating said adjacent friction material segments on said core or piston plate. 85. A method for increasing fluid flow with increased relative speed between a friction surface of a friction member, and a cooperating surface, said method comprising the steps of: determining a gap width and a sweep angle for a gap between adjacent friction material segments; selecting a first one of said adjacent friction material segments comprising a first edge having a corner comprising a corner radius; said corner causing fluid to be wiped into an inlet area of said gap at a desired rate to cause an inlet pressure; selecting a second one of said adjacent friction material segments comprising a second edge comprising a scoop having a scoop shape; processing each of said adjacent friction material segments to provide said first edge that is substantially straight and said second edge comprising at a least a portion that is curved to define said scoop shape; and arranging said adjacent friction material segments such that the first edge of said first one of said adjacent friction material segments is situated on said friction member in generally opposed relationship to said second edge of said second one of said adjacent friction material segments, to define said inlet area that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area to facilitate causing said inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said friction member rotates, wherein each of said adjacent friction material segments comprises a first edge that is generally straight and a generally opposing second edge that is curved, wherein at least one of said first edge and said second edge comprises a locating aperture for facilitating locating said adjacent friction material segments on said core or piston plate, wherein said locating aperture comprises a reservoir to increase cooling by facilitating an increased amount of fluid flow into the gap. 86. A clutch plate comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core a first one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a first edge and a second one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a second edge, said first and second edges cooperating to define a gap therebetween; and said first one of said plurality of friction material segments comprising a first outer edge and a corner between said first outer edge and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of material segments; at least a portion of said second edge defining a sweep angle and cooperating with said corner to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped to facilitate an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap when said core rotates; wherein at least a portion of said first edge defines a second sweep angle and cooperates with said second edge to define a second wedge shape at said outlet area to further facilitate causing said outlet pressure at said outlet area to be less than said inlet pressure at said inlet area of said gap. 87. A power transmission assembly comprising: a plurality of friction plates, each separated by a reaction plate; at least one of said plurality of friction plates comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; a corner joining an outer edge on said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width and at least one of said first edge or said second edge defining a sweep angle, said gap width and said sweep angle and said corner radius being selected to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped to facilitate causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said core rotates; wherein at least a portion of said first edge defines a second sweep angle and cooperates with said second edge to define a second wedge shape at said outlet area to further facilitate causing said outlet pressure at said outlet area to be less than said inlet pressure at said inlet area of said gap. 88. A torque converter assembly comprising: a piston plate; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said piston plate such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; and a corner joining the outer edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments said gap comprising a primary gap width, at least one of said first edge or second edge defining a sweep angle, said gap width, said sweep angle and said corner define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped to facilitate causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said piston plate rotates; wherein at least a portion of said first edge defines a second sweep angle and cooperates with said second edge to define a second wedge shape at said outlet area to facilitate causing said outlet pressure at said outlet area to be less than said inlet pressure at said inlet area of said gap. 89. A power transmission assembly comprising: a torque converter assembly comprising: a piston plate; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said piston plate such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween, said gap having an outlet area and an inlet area; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of segments; and a corner having a corner radius, said corner connecting the outer circular edge of the segment and the first edge of said plurality of segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width and at least one of said first edge or second edge defining a sweep angle, said inlet area being generally wedge-shaped to facilitate causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said piston plate rotates; wherein at least a portion of said first edge defines a second sweep angle and cooperates with said second edge to define a second wedge shape at said outlet area to further facilitate causing said outlet pressure at said outlet area to be less than said inlet pressure at said inlet area of said gap. 90. A clutch plate comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core a first one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a first edge and a second one of said plurality of friction material segments defining a second edge, said first and second edges cooperating to define a gap therebetween; and said first one of said plurality of friction material segments comprising a first outer edge and a corner between said first outer edge and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of material segments; at least a portion of said second edge defining a sweep angle and cooperating with said corner to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped, said generally wedge-shaped inlet area causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap when said core rotates; wherein said outlet area is configured to provide a negative pressure as said clutch plate rotates. 91. A power transmission assembly comprising: a plurality of friction plates, each separated by a reaction plate; at least one of said plurality of friction plates comprising: a core; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said core such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; and a corner having a corner radius, said corner joining an outer edge on said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments; said gap comprising a primary gap width and at least one of said first edge or said second edge defining a sweep angle, said gap width and said sweep angle and said corner radius being selected to define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped to facilitate causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said core rotates; wherein said outlet area is configured to provide a negative pressure as said clutch plate rotates. 92. A torque converter assembly comprising: a piston plate; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said piston plate such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of friction material segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of friction material segments; and a corner between the outer edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of friction material segments said gap comprising a primary gap width, at least one of said first edge or second edge defining a sweep angle, said gap width, said sweep angle and said corner define an inlet area to said gap that is generally wedge-shaped to facilitate causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said piston plate rotates; wherein said outlet area is configured to provide a negative pressure as said clutch plate rotates. 93. A power transmission assembly comprising: a torque converter assembly comprising: a piston plate; a plurality of friction material segments situated on said piston plate such that at least two adjacent segments define a gap therebetween, said gap having an outlet area and an inlet area; said gap being defined by a first edge of a first one of said plurality of segments and a second edge of a second one of said plurality of segments; and a corner between an outer circular edge and said first edge of said first one of said plurality of segments: said corner having a corner radius; said gap comprising a primary gap width and at least one of said first edge or second edge defining a sweep angle, said inlet area being generally wedge-shaped to facilitate causing an inlet pressure at said inlet area to be greater than an outlet pressure at an outlet area of said gap as said piston plate rotates; wherein said outlet area is configured to provide a negative pressure as said clutch plate rotates. 94. The method as recited in claim 71 wherein said friction member is a clutch plate, core, torque converter or syncronizer ring.
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