Friction Clutch Actuator With Pivoting Push Ring to Reduce Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator devices for transmission clutches require high-pressure oil systems, leading to increased complexity and cost in less complex transmission systems like dry clutches, necessitating numerous components such as pumps, accumulators, and valves.
Innovation Solution
An actuator device comprising a push lever arm with a pivotable push ring and bearing, driven by a motor and linear actuator mechanism, allowing for force application on a friction clutch without high-pressure oil, enabling reduced wear and increased efficiency through adjustable pivot axes and parallel arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-pressure oil system is used for actuating transmission clutches, then reliable force application is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to pumps, accumulators, valves, and filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the high-pressure oil system components (pump, accumulator, valves, filters) from the transmission actuation system, replacing them with a simplified mechanical actuator that directly applies force to the clutch without requiring complex hydraulic infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a direct mechanical actuation system consisting of an actuator, push lever arm, and push ring that mechanically transmit force from the drive unit to the clutch, eliminating the need for fluid pressure transmission
2Adaptability or versatility
If a push lever arm is tilted during operation, then flexibility in force application is improved, but wear increases and efficiency decreases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities through the displaceable bearing and push ring assembly that can pivot about a push ring pivot axis, allowing the system to adapt to tilted push lever arm positions while maintaining proper alignment between the push ring rotation axis and the clutch, thereby reducing wear and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the actuation system by allowing the bearing and push ring to be positioned at different locations along the push lever arm, enabling optimization of the push ring pivot axis position to compensate for tilting and maintain efficient force transmission
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator device for a friction clutch. The device includes a push lever arm for applying a force on the friction clutch and a push ring arranged on the push lever arm for contacting the friction clutch, and a drive unit connected to the push lever arm for movement of the push lever arm in a push lever arm movement direction. The device further includes a bearing arranged on the push lever arm, where the push ring is journaled by the bearing such that the push ring is rotatable relative to the push lever arm about a rotation axis. The push ring and the bearing are pivotally connected to the push lever arm such that the push ring and the bearing are pivotable relative to the push lever arm about a push ring pivot axis.