Adjustable Hydraulic Slave Cylinder for Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic clutch disengagement systems lack an external adjustment mechanism to create a gap between the pressure plate and clutch pack, limiting the ability to adjust the clutch system externally and maintain manual disengagement capability.
Innovation Solution
A novel adjustable slave cylinder with a threaded adjuster and o-ring seal allows external adjustment of the pressure plate position relative to the clutch pack, enabling the creation and adjustment of a gap between the pressure plate and clutch pack while maintaining manual disengagement through a hydraulic actuation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic clutch disengagement system is used, then clutch disengagement is achieved through hydraulic actuation, but no external adjustment mechanism exists to create a gap between the pressure plate and clutch pack
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded adjuster mechanism is nested within the slave cylinder assembly, allowing the adjustment function to be integrated into the existing hydraulic system without requiring separate external adjustment mechanisms or opening the engine casing. The adjuster threads into the slave cylinder body, creating a compact nested structure that provides external adjustability while maintaining system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded adjuster acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the pressure plate position. By providing external threaded adjustment access, it mediates the control of pressure plate positioning without requiring direct internal access to the clutch assembly, thus enabling external adjustment while maintaining hydraulic actuation functionality.
2Ease of repair
If the pressure plate position is adjusted internally, then the clutch can be configured for optimal performance, but the engine cover must be opened to access the adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is extracted from the internal clutch assembly and provided through an external threaded adjuster on the slave cylinder. This extraction allows operators to adjust the pressure plate position without opening the engine cover, significantly reducing adjustment time and improving accessibility while maintaining the ability to configure the clutch for optimal performance.
3Extent of automation
If a spring biased pressure plate is used, then automatic clutch engagement is achieved, but manual disengagement capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slave cylinder piston is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the external threaded adjuster, allowing the system to adapt between automatic engagement mode (with spring bias) and manual disengagement mode. The adjuster enables dynamic modification of the pressure plate position and gap, providing operational flexibility that maintains both automatic engagement functionality and manual disengagement capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables external adjustment of the clutch system without opening the engine, allowing for optimal clutch configuration and 'bump starting' the engine, while maintaining the ability to manually lift the pressure plate for clutch disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded adjuster (116) configured to move the slave cylinder piston (114) axially within the bore (204)
Implementation Method 2
an o-ring seal (117) configured to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage between the threaded adjuster (116) and the slave cylinder body (110)
Implementation Method 3
A hydraulic line typically couples the master and slave cylinders and provides a conduit for the hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 4
the piston typically acts upon the clutch throwout to lift the pressure plate for disengagement
Data Source
AI summary
A novel adjustable slave cylinder is disclosed. The improved slave cylinder is particularly well suited for use with a clutch incorporating an expanding friction disk. The adjustable slave cylinder provides a means for adjusting a clutch pressure plate's position via an adjustment mechanism external to the inside of an engine.