Friction Clutch Adjusting Device Spindle Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Friction clutches in motor vehicles experience deformation under centrifugal force, leading to unintended adjustments and reduced performance due to wear-related incorrect distances between the pressure plate and counter-plate, which existing adjustment devices fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment device with a spindle holder featuring a first and second bearing device, a spindle with threaded sections, and a drive pinion, where the spindle is rotatable between the bearing devices, and a pawl ensures one-way rotation to prevent back-turning, reducing deformation and unintended adjustments by minimizing the distance between bearing devices and increasing rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distance between the first bearing device and the second bearing device is large, then the spindle has greater freedom of movement and easier installation, but the spindle deforms under centrifugal force causing unintended adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane bearing arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where the second bearing device is offset axially from the first bearing device. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions reduces the distance between bearings while accommodating installation requirements and minimizing centrifugal force deformation.
2Reliability
If the spindle holder structure is made more rigid to reduce deformation, then centrifugal force effects are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle holder is segmented into distinct functional components: a first bearing device for support, a second bearing device offset from the first, and connecting structural elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving the desired rigidity without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second bearing device is positioned at an axial offset from the first bearing device, creating a three-dimensional rigid structure. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions inherently increases structural stiffness against centrifugal forces without requiring additional complex bracing or support elements.
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 effectively reduces deformation and unplanned adjustments caused by centrifugal force, maintaining precise alignment and performance of the friction clutch by preventing back-rotation and enhancing the structural rigidity of the spindle holder.
Implementation Method 1
a pawl which is arranged or fastened on the spindle holder and which is in engagement with the drive pinion and which allows the drive pinion and the spindle to rotate in only one direction of rotation, thus preventing the spindle or the drive pinion from turning back
Implementation Method 2
The spindle has a spindle thread between the first bearing device and the second bearing device. A spindle nut that can be displaced on the spindle in the direction of the spindle longitudinal axis and is in engagement with an adjustment ring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjusting device (10) for adjusting an incorrect distance of a pressure plate (48) from a counter plate of a friction clutch resulting from wear, comprising: a spindle retainer (12), having a first bearing device (14) and a second bearing device (16) arranged at a distance from the first bearing device (14); a spindle (18), which has a first end (20) and a second end (22) spaced apart from the first end (20) and which has a spindle thread (26) arranged between the first end (20) and the second end (22), wherein the spindle (18) is mounted in the first bearing device (14) by means of the first end (20) and in the second bearing device (16) by means of the second end (22) for rotation about a spindle longitudinal axis (24) of the spindle (18), and the spindle (18) has a drive pinion (30) arranged on the second end (22), the second end (22) of the spindle (18) thus being mounted in the second bearing device (16) between the spindle thread (26) and the drive pinion (30); and a pawl (32), which is arranged on the spindle retainer (12) and is in engagement with the drive pinion (30).