Clutch Disk Carrier Lugs for Faster Lamella Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of clutch devices with disk carriers is time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment of projections with grooves, which requires manual threading and centering of lamellae onto carriers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating axially extending lugs on the edge of disk carriers between grooves to serve as orientation and centering elements, allowing for easy alignment and insertion of lamellae by engaging the lug with plate-side projections, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual threading and centering of lamellae onto disk carriers is performed, then precise alignment of projections with grooves is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming axially extending lugs on the disk carriers that protrude into the grooves. These lugs are prepared in advance during carrier manufacturing, so that during assembly they automatically guide and center the lamellae without requiring manual threading operations. The lugs perform the centering function beforehand, eliminating the time-consuming manual alignment step while maintaining precise projection-groove alignment.
2Ease of operation
If axially extending lugs are added to disk carriers, then assembly process is simplified and alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the disk carrier structure into distinct functional elements: the main carrier body and the axially extending lugs. The lugs are segmented features that protrude from the carrier edge into the grooves, serving as separate centering and guiding elements. This segmentation allows the lugs to be integrated into the carrier structure while maintaining their distinct function, simplifying the assembly process without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch device includes an outer disk carrier, outer disks, an inner disk carrier, inner disks, and at least one lug. The outer disk carrier has first axially running grooves, a first edge, and a first edge side. Each of the outer disks has radial projections spaced apart by depressions and projecting into the first axially running grooves. The inner disk carrier has second axially running grooves, a second edge, and a second edge side. Each of the inner disks has radial projections spaced apart by depressions and projecting into the second axially running grooves. The lug is arranged between two grooves of the first axially running grooves and extending axially from the first edge side, or arranged between two grooves of the second axially running grooves and extending axially from the second edge side.