Clutch Actuator Coupling With Play for Vibration Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vibrations in the drive train of vehicles, known as wobbling, are transmitted to clutches actuated by special actuators, leading to wear and negatively affecting clutch components.

Innovation Solution

A vibration decoupling element is introduced between the adjustment element and the actuator system, designed with a predetermined play area to prevent vibration transmission, using a connection that allows movement without transferring vibrations, and optionally incorporating spring and damping elements to maintain play freedom and reduce wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid connection is used between the actuator and adjusting element, then precise force transmission is achieved, but vibrations are transmitted to the actuator causing wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator wear resistanceVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration decoupling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator and the adjusting element. This element includes a connection with play that allows relative movement, thereby mediating the force transmission while preventing vibration transmission to the actuator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful vibration transmission path is extracted or separated from the force transmission path by introducing a connection with play. This allows the force to be transmitted while the vibration is decoupled, effectively removing the harmful effect from the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a connection with play is used between actuator and adjusting element, then vibration transmission is prevented, but precision and stiffness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidclutch operation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection with play is applied locally only where needed for vibration decoupling, while other parts of the system maintain rigid connections for precision. The play is strategically positioned in the vibration decoupling element rather than throughout the entire transmission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connection with play provides dynamic adaptability - it allows movement when vibrations occur but maintains force transmission capability. The system transitions between rigid and compliant states depending on the operational conditions, optimizing both precision and vibration protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If dimensional changes occur due to wear or thermal expansion, then play develops in the adjusting element, but clutch operation precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent service lifeVSAvoidclutch operation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Spring elements are used to actively compensate for dimensional changes in the adjusting element. By changing the spring force parameter, the system counteracts the effects of wear and thermal expansion, maintaining precise clutch operation throughout the component service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 vibration decoupling system effectively isolates vibrations, reducing wear on actuators and clutch components, ensuring precise clutch operation and smooth shifting or starting processes.

Implementation Method 1

the vibration decoupling element is designed as a connection with play in the predetermined direction of action, meaning that it has a predetermined range of play within which either the active element or the adjusting element moves without the other element moving along with it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical play (clearance):

Implementation Method 2

the adjusting element advantageously includes at least one spring element designed to eliminate play in both the extension and retraction directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

at least one damping element in the vibration decoupling member, wherein the at least one damping element is designed to dampen a movement made possible by the backlash-prone connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3692273B1Coupling system
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3692273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3692273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3692273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an oscillation decoupling system (1) which does not transmit oscillations, for example, from a drive train of a vehicle to an actuator system (4) for a clutch (2). The oscillation decoupling system (1) comprises an adjusting element (3), the actuator system (4) comprises an active element (5) which is designed to carry out an active movement (W, W') in a predetermined working direction and an element (6) of the oscillation decoupling system which connects the active element (5) to the actuator device (4) and to the adjusting element (3). The element of the oscillation decoupling system (6) comprises, in a predetermined direction of work (W, W'), a play region in which the active element (5) or the adjusting element (3) moves without the respective other moving element.