Sonnax mechanical diode GM-MD-6-2 for GM 6L80 and 6L90 converters offers much greater strength than existing roller clutches and “dog bone” style sprags. This diode offers greatly increased reliability, especially where high torque, vibration or high overrunning speeds decrease the effectiveness of wedging-type one-way clutches.
The Sonnax design transfers force in a more direct fashion through planar strut arrangement and a shallow engagement angle, resulting in relatively small radial forces when compared to friction actuated one-way clutches.
Positive engagement is achieved when the angled struts are automatically forced into a fully engaged position, eliminating torsional windup, minimizing engagement impact and prolonging component life. The maximum rotation per engagement is only 4.5° minimizing the engagement impact on the stator support shaft.
This unique design for a one-way clutch assembly known as the "Mechanical Diode®" (MD) was developed by Epilogics, Inc. in 1991 and was first introduced to torque converter rebuilders by Sonnax in 1997. The MD overrunning clutch, or freewheel, offers much greater strength than existing roller-ramps and sprags.