Asymmetric Roller Set for Clutch Actuation Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch release systems introduce excessive torque to the axles or mounting points of roller set axles in a hub, which is disadvantageous.
Innovation Solution
A lever system for actuating a clutch or brake, where a roller set with at least three runners, including two with approximately equal diameters and one with a different diameter, engages with a raceway and idler rollers, minimizing torque transmission by distributing forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional roller set with uniform runners is used, then the structure is simple, but excessive torque is introduced to the axles or mounting points of roller set axles in a hub
Solution Approach 1:
The roller set employs asymmetric runner diameters where at least one runner has a different diameter from the others. This asymmetry creates differential rolling radii that redistribute torque loads across the roller set, preventing excessive torque concentration at any single axle or mounting point while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different runners within the same roller set are given different local properties (diameters) to optimize their individual torque-bearing characteristics. The larger-diameter runners handle higher torque loads while smaller-diameter runners handle lower loads, creating a distributed torque management system that reduces peak stresses on hub components
2Force
If runners with different diameters are used in the roller set, then torque introduction to fixing points is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameter (diameter) of runners within the roller set to achieve torque distribution. By varying this single parameter while keeping other dimensions standardized, the design achieves torque reduction without requiring complete redesign of the entire roller set assembly, thus limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity
3Ease of operation
If the runner unit is displaceable in the radial direction, then the lever system can effectively actuate the clutch, but stress on hub components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller set with asymmetric runners acts as an intermediary between the displaceable runner unit and the hub axles. It mediates the force transmission by distributing the actuation forces across multiple runners with different torque characteristics, thereby enabling effective clutch actuation while reducing peak stresses on the hub components
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
The system reduces torque introduction to the fixing point of roller set axles, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing stress on the hub components.
Implementation Method 1
The roller set comprises at least three runners, of which at least two runners feature a first diameter substantially equal and at least one runner that features a second diameter that differs from the first diameter. The two runners with approximately equal first diameter have a smaller diameter than the third runner.
Data Source
AI summary
A lever system for actuating a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle or of a disc brake, including: a lever (7) with a first side (7.1) rotatably supported on a pivot (8) and with a side (7.2) in functional connection with a pressing means (6). The lever (7) rests on a movable fulcrum (12) provided by a moveable support unit (10) that is displaceable in radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the clutch or the disc brake and which is displaceable using a motor-driven (15) spindle (14. The moveable support unit (10) rests on a raceway (11) and includes two roller sets (20.1, 20.2) each with rollers (21, 22, 22.1, 22.2). Each of the roller set (20.1, 20.2) includes at least three rollers (21, 22, 22.1, 22.2) and at least two of the rollers (22.1, 22.2) include approximately equal first diameters.