Self-Adjusting Clutch Actuator With Compact Friction Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch actuators require large areas and spacings for frictional locking contacts, leading to size issues and installation space problems, while existing self-adjusting clutch actuators with automatic length compensation mechanisms are not sufficient for achieving a strong locking action without increasing wear.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting clutch actuator with a displacement mechanism, a piston, and a compensation mechanism that allows relative displacement without an actuating force and locks with a frictionally locking contact when force is applied, utilizing a transmission mechanism and friction elements to achieve a strong locking action in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clutch actuators use frictionally locking contact of two elements for length compensation, then wear compensation is achieved, but the actuator requires great areas and spacings leading to large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator is divided into separate functional elements: a first element for length compensation and a second element for force transmission. The friction element is segmented to engage with a mating element at a distance from the rotational axis, allowing the locking function to be distributed rather than requiring a single large contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element engages with the mating element at a spacing distance from the rotational axis, utilizing the radial dimension to create leverage and locking action. This dimensional approach allows compact design by using rotational leverage rather than requiring large axial contact areas.
2Strength
If clutch actuators require great spacings of rubbing faces from rotational axis for locking action, then locking strength is improved, but the extent of elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is configured to be displaceable relative to the transmission element, allowing dynamic engagement and disengagement of the frictional locking contact. This dynamic configuration enables strong locking action only when needed (during wear compensation) while maintaining compact dimensions during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element and mating element are arranged such that the friction element can be nested within or adjacent to the transmission element structure. The engagement occurs at a spaced location from the rotational axis, utilizing the existing structural envelope rather than requiring additional external space.
3Extent of automation
If friction element is brought into frictionally locking contact for wear compensation, then automatic adjustment is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation mechanism operates automatically through frictional locking contact between the friction element and mating element. The system self-adjusts for wear by allowing relative displacement when no actuating force is applied, and self-locks when force is applied, without requiring external control or complex sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element acts as an intermediary between the transmission element and the clutch mechanism. It mediates the automatic compensation function by engaging with the mating element to provide frictional locking, simplifying the overall control architecture while achieving automatic adjustment.
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 solution enables a strong frictional locking action in a compact form, reducing wear and installation space requirements while maintaining effective clutch operation, allowing for efficient torque transmission and wear compensation.
Implementation Method 1
the friction element being configured to carry out a relative movement with respect to the mating element if the relative displacement is not blocked by way of the compensation mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting clutch actuator includes a transmission element displaceable in a displacement direction; and a compensation mechanism having a piston displaceable in the displacement direction of the transmission element. The compensation mechanism allows a first relative displacement (X) of the transmission element relative to the piston in the displacement direction when there is no actuating force in the clutch actuator, and blocks the first relative displacement (X) when an actuating force is introduced into the clutch actuator by bringing a frictional element (4) into contact with a counter-element. The frictional element (4) is designed for a second relative displacement (Y) relative to the counter-element when the first relative displacement (X) is not blocked by the compensation mechanism (22). A translatory mechanism provided between the transmission element (1) and the piston (2) is designed to cause the second relative movement (Y), by the first relative displacement (X) relative to the counter-element.