Force Transmission Device Clutch Cooling via Segmented Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force transmission devices in motor vehicles experience excessive heating and wear of friction liners due to insufficient cooling, leading to reduced reliability and service life of the actuatable clutch device, particularly in three-channel configurations.
Innovation Solution
A force transmission device with a hydrodynamic component and an actuatable clutch device, where a defined volume flow is routed through a separated channel or chamber to the clutch device from an external cooling cycle, reducing flow paths and enhancing cooling efficiency by configuring the second clutch component to form a pressure-tight wall between the clutch and output, and optionally using a seal plate for retrofittable solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the flow medium is run through the actuatable clutch device for cooling purposes in conventional configurations, then cooling is provided, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient leading to excessive heating and wear of friction liners
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary space is segmented into a first region and a second region through a separation means. The first region is dedicated to routing the cooling flow medium through the actuatable clutch device, while the second region handles other flow paths. This segmentation ensures that a defined volume flow is directed specifically to the clutch device for effective cooling, resolving the insufficient cooling issue while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation means is positioned specifically between the second clutch component and the output element to create a localized flow separation. This local structural modification directs the cooling flow precisely where needed (through the clutch device friction liners) without affecting other parts of the system, achieving effective cooling at the critical location while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate chamber loadable with pressure medium is associated with the actuation device in three-channel configurations, then free adjustability of actuation pressure is achieved, but the cooling efficiency of the clutch device remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are segmented by introducing a separation means that divides the intermediary space into distinct regions. One region is optimized for the actuation chamber with pressure adjustability, while another region is dedicated to cooling flow routing through the clutch device. This allows the three-channel configuration to maintain its pressure adjustability advantage while simultaneously achieving effective cooling through dedicated flow path separation.
3Power
If the actuatable clutch device is configured as a multidisk clutch, then the bridging function is achieved, but strong heating and loading of friction liners occur due to slipping operation
Solution Approach 1:
The slipping operation of the multidisk clutch, which generates harmful heat through friction, is converted into a beneficial cooling opportunity. By routing the cooling flow medium directly through the clutch device and across the friction liners during slipping operation, the heat generated is immediately removed. The harmful thermal effect is transformed into a controlled thermal management process, allowing the clutch to perform its power bridging function while maintaining acceptable temperatures through active cooling.
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 configuration ensures effective cooling of the clutch device, reducing maximum temperatures and preventing damage, thereby improving the service life and controllability by minimizing temperature variations of the friction coefficient.
Implementation Method 1
the flow medium is run through the actuatable clutch device for cooling purposes
Implementation Method 2
with a vibration absorber disposed in the force flow at least subsequent to the actuatable clutch device
Implementation Method 3
a hydrodynamic component, disposed between input and output, comprising at least a pump shell and a turbine shell, forming an operating cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A force transmission device having a hydrodynamic component, disposed between an input and an output, comprising at least a pump shell and a turbine shell, forming an operating cavity in combination, with an actuatable clutch device for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component, comprising a clutch component for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component, comprising a first clutch component connected with the input and a second clutch component at least indirectly connected to the output, which can be brought into operative engagement with one another through an actuation device, with a vibration absorber disposed in the force flow at least subsequent to the actuatable clutch device, with a housing coupled with the input or with an element coupled non-rotatably to the input and coupled with the pump shell.