Multi-plate Brake Fluid Dispensing Device for Uniform Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-plate brakes and clutches face uneven fluid distribution due to centrifugal force limitations, where fluid flow is disrupted by splines, resulting in inadequate lubrication and cooling for all plates, leading to potential wear and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing device is integrated into the multi-plate brake or clutch system, featuring a reservoir and an opening that dispenses fluid when the volume exceeds a predetermined level, ensuring even distribution across friction and reaction plates, with the device positioned to bypass splines and direct fluid to all plates effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If holes are provided through the carrier to inject fluid using centrifugal forces, then fluid can be supplied to the plates, but the fluid flow path is disrupted by splines resulting in uneven distribution
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated fluid dispensing device is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the friction plates. This device collects fluid in a reservoir and dispenses it directly to the plates, bypassing the splines that disrupt centrifugal flow. The dispensing device acts as a mediator that ensures uniform fluid distribution without being affected by the spline obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid dispensing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a reservoir for fluid collection, a dispensing mechanism with openings, and positioning features. This segmentation allows the fluid delivery function to be separated from the carrier structure, enabling independent optimization of fluid distribution independent of the spline configuration.
2Temperature
If fluid is injected through holes in the carrier, then cooling and lubrication is provided to adjacent plates, but the coolest fluid only contacts plates directly adjacent to the holes
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid dispensing device is designed to serve all friction plates uniformly through its multiple openings arranged around the carrier. Each opening dispenses fluid to a corresponding plate, making the system universal in its cooling and lubrication function across all plates rather than being limited to only those adjacent to injection holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir collects and stores fluid in advance before dispensing, ensuring that cool fluid is readily available for all plates. The preliminary collection and storage of fluid in the reservoir allows for controlled dispensing to multiple plates, ensuring uniform preliminary cooling before operation begins.
3Reliability
If a fluid dispensing device with reservoir is added to ensure uniform fluid distribution, then lubrication and cooling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid dispensing device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: fluid collection, storage in reservoir, dispensing through openings, and positioning on the carrier. By combining these functions into one device rather than separate systems, the overall structural complexity is reduced while maintaining reliable uniform fluid distribution to all plates.
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
This solution ensures uniform fluid distribution, enhancing lubrication and cooling, thereby reducing wear and prolonging the lifespan of the brake or clutch by ensuring all plates receive an even spread of fluid, regardless of their position.
Implementation Method 1
as the carrier rotates centrifugal forces direct the fluid through the holes in a direct path towards the plates
Implementation Method 2
The fluid may form a film on the surfaces of the plates which prevents direct contact between the plates. The forces generated within the film may provide a resistance to rotation between the plates and thus provide the required frictional force. The avoidance of direct contact between the plates may result in reduced wear and thus prolong the life of the clutch or brake.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-plate brake or clutch includes a carrier, a fluid dispensing device and plurality of friction plates located around the carrier and the fluid dispensing device. The carrier includes a carrier body, a plurality of external splines located around a rim of the carrier body extending outwardly from the rim, and a passageway that extends through the carrier body to a passageway outlet. The fluid dispensing device includes a body defining a reservoir with an opening in fluid communication with the passageway outlet to allow fluid to be dispensed when a volume of fluid in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined volume.