Clutch Central Actuator Reinforcement Ring for Leak-Safe Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central actuators for hydraulic or pneumatic clutch actuation face challenges in cost-effective production and reliable resistance to hydraulic or pneumatic forces, with prior reinforcement methods complicating the injection moulding process and potentially causing mechanical stress and leaks.
Innovation Solution
A central actuator with a cylinder housing featuring an outer reinforcement ring partially coated with plastic, allowing for secure axial hold without additional fastening means, simplifying construction and avoiding mechanical stress, and an inner reinforcement ring partially coated on the outside for easier positioning and increased dimensional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a sheet metal sleeve is pressed or shrink-fitted onto the outer cylinder wall for reinforcement, then the cylinder housing can withstand high loads, but the plastic region becomes vulnerable to mechanical stress and leaks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement ring is divided into two abutting partial regions: a first partial region coated with plastic for secure axial hold and a second partial region free from plastic to avoid mechanical stress concentration. This segmentation allows the reinforcement to provide strength while minimizing damage to the plastic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic coating is applied locally only to the first partial region of the reinforcement ring rather than the entire ring. This local quality approach provides axial retention where needed while avoiding plastic stress in the second partial region, thus preventing leaks.
2Reliability
If a reinforcement ring is completely coated with plastic during injection moulding, then secure axial hold is achieved, but the injection moulding process becomes complicated and production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely coating the reinforcement ring with plastic, only the first partial region is coated. This partial action is sufficient to provide secure axial hold through friction and mechanical interlocking, while avoiding the need for complex mould designs and lengthy cooling periods associated with complete coating.
3Strength
If reinforcement elements are used to strengthen the cylinder housing, then high loads can be withstood, but the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement ring is integrated directly into the injection moulding process of the cylinder housing. The ring is positioned in the mould, and plastic is injected to coat the first partial region, creating a unified component. This merging eliminates separate assembly steps and reduces overall construction complexity despite the added reinforcement function.
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 cost-effective production with enhanced structural stability and reduced risk of leaks, maintaining secure fastening even at higher temperatures, while simplifying the injection moulding process and avoiding mechanical stress on the plastic structure.
Implementation Method 1
a first of these two partial regions is coated with plastic from the cylinder housing on the outside so that a secure hold of the reinforcement ring on the outer cylinder wall is provided in the axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a central actuator (10) for a hydraulic or pneumatic clutch actuation, having a cylinder housing (12) which has at least one cylinder wall (14, 16) made of a plastic which delimits a ring-shaped pressure chamber (18) in a radial direction, in which a ring piston (20) that can be operatively connected to the clutch is displaceably received, wherein the cylinder wall (14, 16) is provided with at least one reinforcement ring (44, 46) on its peripheral side facing away from the compression chamber (18), wherein the reinforcement ring (46) is attached to the outside of the outer cylinder wall (16) and is divided in its axial extent into two abutting partial regions (46u, 46f), the first partial region (46u) whereof is surrounded on the outside by plastic from the cylinder housing (12) and the second partial region (46f) is free from plastic from the cylinder housing (12) on the outside. The invention further relates to a method of producing the cylinder housing (12) for a central actuator (10) of this kind.