Clutch Actuator Mounting Structure with Exposed Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing structure for mounting a clutch actuator in internal combustion engines requires dismounting the engine case for maintenance, which is inefficient and complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A clutch actuator mounting structure where the clutch actuator is contained within the engine case and has an exposed mounting/dismounting port, allowing for maintenance without dismounting the engine case, and is integrated with an oil filter housing to optimize space and maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the clutch actuator is mounted inside the engine case, then the clutch actuator is protected from external factors, but maintenance requires dismounting the engine case which reduces workability
Solution Approach 1:
The engine case is segmented into a main body and a removable cover portion. The clutch actuator is mounted inside the engine case but remains accessible through the removable cover, which can be detached to allow maintenance without removing the entire engine case. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both protection (through the cover) and accessibility (through removable access).
Solution Approach 2:
A removable cover acts as an intermediary element between the clutch actuator and the external environment. This cover provides protection when installed while allowing easy access when removed, thus mediating between the need for protection and the need for maintenance accessibility without requiring full engine case disassembly.
2Volume of moving object
If the clutch actuator containing part is integrated into the engine case, then the overall engine size is reduced, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator containing part is integrated into the engine case as a unified structure, reducing overall engine size. However, the containing part is designed with a removable cover that segments the access path, allowing maintenance personnel to access the clutch actuator without disassembling the entire engine case, thus reducing maintenance complexity despite the integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If the clutch actuator is accessible from the exterior, then maintenance workability is improved, but the clutch actuator is exposed to external factors
Solution Approach 1:
A removable cover serves as an intermediary that can be removed during maintenance to provide exterior access to the clutch actuator, improving workability. When installed, this same cover protects the clutch actuator from external factors. The intermediary element thus provides both protection and accessibility at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover configuration is dynamic rather than fixed - it can be installed to provide protection during normal operation and removed to provide access during maintenance. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between the two opposing requirements of protection and accessibility based on operational context.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a clutch actuator mounting structure for internal combustion engine (E) which has excellent maintainability such that clutch actuator maintenance and the like can be carried out without dismounting an engine case. The clutch actuator mounting structure for an internal combustion engine (E) having, in the engine case (70, 31R), a power transmission mechanism designed to transmit rotational power of a crankshaft (30) to an output shaft (37) through a shift clutch (41) and a transmission (T), wherein the engine case is formed with a clutch actuator containing part (72) in which a clutch actuator (81A, 81B) for engaging/disengaging the shift clutch (41) is contained, and the clutch actuator containing part (72) has a clutch actuator mounting/dismounting port (72h) through which to mount and dismount the clutch actuator (81A, 81B), the clutch actuator mounting/dismounting port (72h) being formed to be exposed to the exterior.