Modular Clutch Elastic Ring Fixing to Driven Shaft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing a modular clutch device to a driven shaft are complex and costly, often requiring disassembly and reassembly of the clutch device into two parts, which complicates the assembly process and increases the risk of losing locking elements during transport.
Innovation Solution
A radially deformable elastic ring is integrated into the clutch device, which occupies a standby position during assembly and is guided to a fixing position using eccentric orifices and lugs on the second friction disc, allowing for secure attachment without the need for separate locking elements and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate locking element (snap ring) is used to fix the clutch device to the driven shaft, then the attachment is secure, but the locking element is liable to be lost during transport and the fixing operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element (elastic ring) is merged with the clutch device assembly by positioning it on the second friction disc, which is part of the clutch module. This integration ensures the locking element cannot be lost during transport and simplifies the fixing operation as the element is already in place and properly positioned when the clutch device is assembled to the driven shaft
2Reliability
If the locking element is carried by the clutch device in a standby position, then the risk of loss during transport is eliminated, but the element requires additional guiding mechanisms to reach the fixing position
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch device assembly itself serves as the carrying and guiding mechanism for the locking element. The second friction disc, which is part of the clutch device, provides the standby position and the guiding structure (through its lugs and the axial force during assembly) to move the elastic ring to the fixing position on the driven shaft, eliminating the need for separate guiding mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If the clutch device is assembled in one piece, then the assembly process is simplified, but the locking element is difficult to install due to reduced accessibility and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element (elastic ring) is pre-positioned on the second friction disc during the clutch device assembly, before the clutch device is mounted to the driven shaft. This preliminary positioning ensures the locking element is ready for installation and eliminates the need for separate handling, improving both accessibility and ease of operation during the final attachment
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 simplifies the attachment of the clutch device to the driven shaft, prevents loss of locking elements during transport, and reduces the complexity and cost of assembly by maintaining the locking element as part of the device until the fixing operation, ensuring secure attachment without the need for additional locking elements.
Implementation Method 1
a radially deformable elastic ring which occupies a standby position during assembly and is guided to a fixing position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for fixing a modular friction clutch device (20) for a motor vehicle on a first driven shaft (24A), which includes a reaction plate (28) which is mounted to rotate about a bearing surface (34) of the first driven shaft (24) by means of a bearing (30) during an assembly operation, which includes a locking element (44) which, during a fixing operation, is arranged by elastic deformation in a fixing position in an associated fixing groove (46) of the bearing surface (34) of the first driven shaft (24A) so as to limit the rearward axial displacement of the bearing (30), where prior to the fixing operation, the locking element (44) occupies a waiting position in which it is carried by the clutch device (20).