Clutch Assembly Cooling via Circumferential Ducts
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch assemblies face challenges in efficiently cooling friction surfaces during slippage operations due to high thermal loads, particularly in configurations with hydrodynamic components, leading to complex cooling solutions that increase design and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A local coolant loop is implemented within the friction assembly, allowing coolant to flow through friction surface bearing elements multiple times, optimizing heat absorption and distribution through heat transfer, and using cooling channels that route fluid from the inner to the outer circumference or vice versa, enhancing cooling efficiency without additional pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If open cooling with coolant flow through the clutch assembly is implemented, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional cooling channels and fluid routing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing hydrodynamic component's operating means circulation system. The coolant flow is integrated into the same fluid circulation path that already exists for the hydrodynamic component, eliminating the need for separate cooling channels and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective cooling of the friction surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The operating means of the hydrodynamic component serves dual purposes: it functions as the coolant for cooling the friction surfaces during clutch operation, and simultaneously serves as the working fluid for the hydrodynamic component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling systems and simplifies the overall device architecture
2Temperature
If coolant channels are configured to route fluid through the friction zone, then heat removal is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise channel configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are merged with the existing fluid circulation paths of the hydrodynamic component. The same channels that route the operating means through the hydrodynamic component also serve to cool the friction surfaces, eliminating the need for separate, precisely configured cooling channels and simplifying manufacturing requirements
3Temperature
If pressure is applied to generate coolant flow through friction surfaces, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but additional pressurization mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural circulation and pressure differential already present in the hydrodynamic component's operating means system to drive coolant flow through the friction surfaces. The operating means circulation inherently provides the necessary pressure and flow without requiring additional pressurization mechanisms, achieving self-service cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The operating means circulation system performs multiple functions: it drives the hydrodynamic component, cools the friction surfaces through natural pressure differential, and eliminates the need for separate pressurization systems by utilizing its own inherent fluid dynamics
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 solution provides high cooling efficiency with reduced complexity, effectively managing heat dissipation at friction surfaces, even in high-temperature areas, and ensures uniform cooling across all friction surfaces, increasing the clutch's operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid flow can be generated in the housing assembly for cooling the friction surface assemblies
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flow can be generated in the housing assembly for cooling the friction surface assemblies, which means for generating at least one loop flowing through at least one friction surface bearing element of the friction assembly plural times
Implementation Method 3
Said loop is generated when there is a speed difference between friction surface bearing elements of the different friction surface assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clutch assembly, particularly for use in force transmission devices for motor vehicle, comprising a housing arrangement that is or can be filled with a fluid, and a frictional arrangement that has a first frictional surface arrangement and a second frictional surface arrangement which can be effectively interconnected by means of an actuator. Each frictional surface arrangement is provided with at least one frictional surface-supporting element. A fluid flow can be generated in the housing arrangement for cooling the frictional surface arrangements. The invention is characterized in that means are provided for creating at least one circuit which repeatedly flows through at least one frictional surface-supporting element of the frictional arrangement and conducts the fluid flow when the rotational speed differs between the effectively interconnectable frictional surface-supporting elements of the different frictional surface arrangements. Said means encompass cooling ducts which define the course of a single circuit in the direction of flow. The extension of the cooling ducts from an radially inward area to a radially outward area, or vice versa, in or on a frictional surface-supporting element in the desired direction of flow is characterized by a circumferential directional component in the direction of rotation of the individual frictional surface arrangement.