Clutch Control Rod Rotational Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing transmission assemblies for vehicles and motorcycles experience wear and increased drag torque, leading to insufficient frictional contact between the control rod and the central support cup, resulting in relative sliding and potential breakdowns.

Innovation Solution

A transmission assembly with a peripheral stop on the control rod engaging a wedging element on the support cup, enhancing the rotational connection through shapes like flats, threads, notches, or a sleeve to prevent slipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the control rod is preloaded between 20 and 50 N by the clutch control means, then the rotational connection is initially ensured, but over time wear and increased drag torque cause the frictional contact to become insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational connection reliabilityVSAvoidservice life of frictional contact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A locking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the control rod and the support cup. This locking element positively engages with both parts to prevent relative rotation, eliminating the reliance on frictional contact alone and solving the problem of insufficient friction over time due to wear and drag torque increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the control rod rotates relative to the support cup due to insufficient friction, then wear occurs in the connection, but this wear generates sliding that disturbs clutch release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of friction-based connectionVSAvoidclutch release reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element serves as a mediator that positively engages the control rod with the support cup, preventing relative rotation and the associated wear and sliding. This ensures reliable clutch release while maintaining a relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If the frictional contact becomes insufficient due to wear and drag torque, then differential torque is generated, but this differential causes relative sliding and potential breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreload force on control rodVSAvoidconnection integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is introduced as a mediator component that positively engages with both the control rod and the support cup to prevent relative rotation. This eliminates the problematic differential torque effect caused by wear and drag torque increases, ensuring connection integrity without requiring excessive preload forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent slipping, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational connection reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of control rod-cup connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A locking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the control rod and the support cup to prevent relative rotation. This positive engagement mechanism significantly improves connection reliability while adding minimal complexity compared to the original friction-based design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reinforced connection prevents slipping and wear, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the clutch mechanism, reducing the risk of failure and immobilization.

Implementation Method 1

The rotational connection between the rod and the support cup is then ensured thanks to the joint action of the pre-load and a high friction between the spherical shoulder and the wall of the dedicated orifice of the cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the connection between the rod and the cup is locked in rotation by means of a peripheral stop provided on the said rod and engaging with a wedging element carried by the said support cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3366942B1Improved transmission assembly and clutch module comprising such an assembly
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP3366942B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3366942B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3366942B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4C

AI summary

The invention relates to a transmission assembly consisting of: on the one hand, a clutch mechanism with a rotating axis comprising: - a cover (C), - a pressure plate (P) and, - a diaphragm (D) interposed between the cover and the pressure plate and equipped with a central support cup (1) attached to the center of the diaphragm (D), and on the other hand, a clutch control rod (2) oriented along the axis of rotation of the mechanism and carrying an intermediate shoulder (21), partially conical or spherical, engaged in an orifice (10) of complementary profile formed in the support cup (1) so that when the rod (2) is moved towards the cup, the clutch mechanism is configured in the disengaged position, said connection between the rod (2) and the cup (1) being blocked in rotation by means of a peripheral stop formed on said rod (2) and engaging with a clamping element carried by said cup (1),as well as a clutch module comprising such a transmission assembly.