Bimodal Clutch Module for Work Vehicle Drive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic clutch modules are designed for single functions, lacking versatility and cross-compatibility, leading to increased complexity, cost, and duration in work vehicle manufacture, as they cannot serve as both hydraulically-applied, spring-released rotary couplings and spring-applied, hydraulically-released brakes.
Innovation Solution
A bimodal clutch module that can be structurally configured to function as either a spring-applied, actuator-released rotary coupling or an actuator-applied, spring-released rotary coupling, utilizing a pressure plate and actuator to engage or disengage a clutch member in different cavities, allowing for mode selection during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic clutch modules are designed for single dedicated functions, then they can perform their specific function reliably, but they lack versatility and increase manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch module is designed with a common platform architecture that can be configured to perform multiple functions (hydraulically-applied spring-released rotary coupling or spring-applied hydraulically-released brake) by selecting different clutch members and assembly configurations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated modules for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic clutch modules are designed for single dedicated functions, then they can perform their specific function reliably, but they increase manufacturing cost and duration
Solution Approach 1:
The module housing incorporates multiple cavities that can accommodate different clutch members, allowing the same basic module design to be manufactured and then configured for different applications through simple component selection and assembly variations
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch module is divided into separable components (module housing with cavities, pressure plate, actuator, and interchangeable clutch members) that can be manufactured independently and assembled in different configurations to create different functional variants
3Adaptability or versatility
If clutch members are installed in different cavities, then the clutch module can function in different modes (rotary coupling or brake), but the structural configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The module housing contains asymmetrically positioned first and second cavities on opposing sides of the pressure plate, each cavity designed to accept specific clutch members that create different functional modes when installed
Solution Approach 2:
The different functional modes are prepared in advance during the design phase by providing pre-configured cavities and clutch member options, allowing the desired function to be selected and assembled without complex modifications during operation or installation
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 bimodal clutch module increases versatility and reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by enabling operation across multiple platforms, allowing it to function as either a hydraulically-applied, spring-released rotary coupling or a spring-applied, hydraulically-released brake, depending on the mode selection.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is coupled to the module housing and controllable to move the pressure plate along a working axis
Implementation Method 2
The clutch member is engaged by movement of the pressure plate along the working axis in a first direction when the clutch member is installed in the first cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle drive assembly has a bimodal clutch module that includes a pressure plate, a module housing containing first and second cavities located on opposing sides of the pressure plate, and an actuator. The actuator is controllable to move the pressure plate along a working axis of the clutch module. A clutch member is installed in a selected one of the first and second cavities. The clutch member is (i) engaged by movement of the pressure plate along the working axis in a first direction when the clutch member is installed in the first cavity and (ii) disengaged by movement of the pressure plate along the working axis in the first direction when the clutch member is installed in the second cavity.