Clutch Energy Control Plate Thermal Barrier
Solution Overview
Problem
Clutch assemblies in motor vehicles generate heat, leading to the need for larger, heavier components to manage thermal stress, which increases the overall weight and packaging constraints of the vehicle, affecting fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an energy control plate made from low thermal conductivity material, such as fiberglass, positioned between the clutch slave cylinder and the housing to act as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer and maintaining component size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If larger clutch plates and more robust clutch materials are used to manage heat, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but the weight of the clutch and housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
An energy control plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the clutch slave cylinder and the housing. This plate manages heat energy transfer, allowing the clutch assembly to dissipate heat effectively without requiring larger structural components, thus maintaining weight efficiency while improving thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the clutch assembly by introducing the energy control plate with specific thermal properties. This allows optimization of heat dissipation characteristics without changing the physical dimensions or mass of the primary clutch components, resolving the contradiction between heat management and weight
2Temperature
If larger clutch assembly size is used to manage heat, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but packaging constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The energy control plate serves as a compact intermediary that addresses thermal management within the existing clutch assembly footprint. By managing heat at the component level rather than requiring overall assembly enlargement, the patent maintains packaging efficiency while improving heat dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes thermal parameters through the energy control plate without increasing the physical dimensions of the clutch assembly. This allows the same packaging space to accommodate improved heat dissipation capabilities, resolving the contradiction between thermal performance and compactness
3Temperature
If more robust clutch materials are used, then heat resistance is improved, but the overall weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy control plate acts as a thermal mediator that protects the clutch housing and surrounding structures from excessive heat without requiring those components to be made from heavier, more heat-resistant materials. This maintains vehicle weight efficiency while improving overall heat resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal management approach by introducing the energy control plate, which allows standard materials to achieve improved heat resistance through better thermal control rather than relying on heavier material specifications, thus reducing overall vehicle weight
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 energy control plate effectively dissipates heat, reducing the average temperature of the clutch slave cylinder and oil temperature, thereby maintaining component size and improving fuel efficiency without increasing the weight of the clutch and housing.
Implementation Method 1
an energy control plate made from low thermal conductivity material, such as fiberglass, positioned between the clutch slave cylinder and the housing to act as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly includes a housing, a clutch pack disposed within the housing and concentrically about a shaft, a clutch slave cylinder disposed between the clutch pack and the housing and concentrically about the shaft, and an energy control plate disposed between the clutch slave cylinder and the housing and concentrically about the shaft. The clutch slave cylinder and the energy control plate are generally secured to the housing with a set of fasteners.