Vehicle Power Unit Clutch Actuator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power units for vehicles face an increase in longitudinal size due to the placement of the clutch actuator on the engine body, leading to a corresponding increase in vehicle body size, and there is a need to maintain a compact configuration while ensuring effective cooling and maintainability of the clutch actuator.
Innovation Solution
The clutch actuator is positioned on the upper portion of the clutch cover, overlapping with the cylinder block, and is integrated within the clutch cover, which is part of the crankcase, allowing for a compact design that avoids longitudinal size increase and enhances cooling by utilizing space effectively and reducing the number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the clutch actuator is mounted on the rearmost portion of the engine body, then the clutch actuator can be easily accessed for maintenance, but the longitudinal size of the engine body and vehicle body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator is relocated from the longitudinal rear portion to the upper lateral portion of the engine body, specifically on the clutch cover. This dimensional shift from longitudinal placement to lateral/vertical placement reduces the engine's longitudinal size while maintaining accessibility through the lateral side of the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch actuator is integrated onto the clutch cover, which itself is part of the engine body structure. By nesting the actuator onto an existing component rather than adding a separate mounting structure, the overall engine size is minimized while maintaining functional accessibility.
2Length of moving object
If the clutch actuator is mounted on the upper portion of the clutch cover, then the longitudinal size of the engine body is reduced, but the cooling efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The upper portion of the clutch cover where the actuator is mounted is designed with specific local characteristics - it is positioned to be exposed to vehicle running wind while maintaining its structural integration with the clutch cover. This localized design ensures cooling efficiency at the specific actuator location without compromising the overall compact design.
3Area of moving object
If the clutch actuator is positioned to overlap the cylinder block, then the lateral size of the engine body is minimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator mounting structure is merged with the clutch cover, which is already an integral part of the engine assembly. The actuator is positioned to overlap the cylinder block in the lateral direction, but this is achieved by utilizing the existing clutch cover structure rather than creating a separate complex mounting system, thereby minimizing lateral size without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 configuration maintains a compact power unit size, improves cooling efficiency of the clutch actuator, and simplifies maintenance by integrating the clutch mechanism, thus preventing an increase in vehicle body size and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch actuator mounted on the engine body controls the oil pressure applied to the clutch for switching between the connection and disconnection of the transmission of power according to the application and cancellation of hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
the clutch cover is formed with an oil passage constituting at least a part of a hydraulic path for connecting the clutch actuator and the clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit for a vehicle can avoid an increase in the longitudinal size of an engine body and a vehicle body due to the provision of a clutch actuator. Clutches for switching between the connection and disconnection of the transmission of power are provided in a power transmission path for transmitting a rotational drive force of a crankshaft to a drive wheel. A clutch cover is joined to a side portion of a crankcase. A clutch chamber for accommodating the clutches is formed between the crankcase and the clutch cover. A clutch actuator for controlling the switching between an engaged condition and disengaged condition of the clutches is mounted on an engine body. The clutch actuator is provided on an upper portion of the clutch cover.