Clutch Assembly Axial Stop for Separator Plate Liftoff Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle clutch assemblies lack a true dead stop for clutch plate liftoff, leading to inconsistent clutch clearance and liftoff control due to the variability in leaf spring step height and form tolerance.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle clutch assembly with an axially movable piston and elastic connectors preloading a separator plate against a dead stop plate, which is positioned to limit axial movement and provide clearance for the clutch plate to lift off, ensuring consistent clutch engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a leaf spring step height is used to limit clutch plate liftoff, then the clutch assembly structure is simple, but the liftoff control precision deteriorates due to large tolerance on form height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the stop from a simple step height to a specifically positioned axial surface located at a precise axial distance from the abutment surface. This parameter change enables true dead stop functionality with consistent liftoff limitation, resolving the manufacturing precision issue while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a basic axial stop geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the clutch assembly into distinct functional components: the clutch plate assembly, the separator plate, the elastic connectors, and the axially positioned stop. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the stop providing dedicated liftoff limitation without interfering with the elastic connectors' preload function, thereby achieving precise clearance control.
2Device complexity
If a leaf spring is used to limit liftoff, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of dead stop function deteriorates due to inability to provide true dead stop
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the leaf spring's step height to limit liftoff (indirect method), the patent inverts the approach by using a dedicated axial stop positioned at a specific distance from the abutment surface (direct method). This inversion provides a true dead stop function where the stop surface directly contacts the separator plate to limit axial movement, ensuring reliable liftoff control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the axially positioned stop - that mediates between the abutment surface and the separator plate. This stop acts as a dedicated liftoff limitation mechanism, receiving the preload force from the elastic connectors and converting it into consistent axial movement limitation, thereby providing reliable dead stop function.
3Manufacturing precision
If elastic connectors preload the separator plate away from the abutment surface, then clutch engagement consistency is improved, but the complexity of the clutch assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic connectors perform preliminary action by preloading the separator plate away from the abutment surface before clutch engagement occurs. This preliminary preload establishes the initial clearance and ensures consistent engagement by pre-positioning the separator plate, while the axial stop provides the final liftoff limitation. This combination achieves engagement consistency without excessive 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
The solution provides a reliable dead stop mechanism for clutch plate liftoff, enhancing clutch clearance control and consistency, thereby improving the overall performance of the torque converter by ensuring precise engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
elastic connectors connecting the separator plate to the radially extending section. The elastic connectors preload the separator plate away from the abutment surface
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle clutch assembly is provided. The motor vehicle clutch assembly includes a radially extending section including an abutment surface; a clutch pack including a first clutch plate and a separator plate; an axially movable piston for engaging the clutch pack; and elastic connectors connecting the separator plate to the radially extending section. The elastic connectors preload the separator plate away from the abutment surface. The motor vehicle clutch assembly also includes a stop arranged for contacting the separator plate to limit axial movement of the separator plate away from the abutment surface. The stop is an axial distance away from the abutment surface such that the separator plate is forceable by the elastic connectors against the stop to provide clearance such that the first clutch plate is movable away from the abutment surface. A method of forming a motor vehicle clutch assembly is also provided.