Clutch Fluid Evacuation Gate for Drag Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmitting components with clutch assemblies in all-wheel drive systems face challenges in maintaining optimal fluid levels to minimize drag torque while ensuring sufficient lubrication and cooling, as excess fluid increases system drag torque when the clutch is disengaged.
Innovation Solution
A clutched device with a fluid evacuation system that includes a differential, a housing with a clutch sump and reservoir, and a gate or valve mechanism to control fluid communication between the sump and reservoir, allowing for the regulation of lubricant fluid levels by moving the gate or valve to inhibit or permit fluid flow based on pressure differentials, thereby managing the volume of lubricant fluid in the clutch sump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient lubricant fluid is maintained in the clutch sump, then adequate lubrication and cooling of clutch plates is ensured, but system drag torque increases when the clutch is disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable gate mechanism that dynamically adjusts fluid communication between the reservoir and clutch sump based on operational conditions. The gate can shift positions to either connect or isolate the reservoir, enabling the system to adapt fluid levels to match whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining lubrication and minimizing drag torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pressure differentials generated during normal clutch operation to automatically control the gate position. When the clutch is engaged, pressure buildup naturally opens the gate to allow fluid into the sump for lubrication. When disengaged, pressure equalization closes the gate to minimize drag, making the system self-regulating without external control inputs.
2Quantity of substance
If excess fluid is present in the clutch sump, then lubrication is adequate, but drag torque increases during disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid containment space into two distinct segments: a reservoir for fluid storage and a clutch sump for active lubrication. The movable gate acts as a controllable separator between these segments, allowing fluid to be isolated in the reservoir when not needed, thereby preventing excess fluid from increasing drag torque during clutch disengagement while ensuring adequate fluid availability when needed.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If fluid level is minimized to reduce drag torque, then drag torque decreases, but lubrication and cooling effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the gate in a closed state during clutch disengagement, preventing fluid from entering the sump before the clutch engages. This ensures minimal drag torque during idle periods while the fluid remains ready in the reservoir, and the gate automatically opens to allow fluid entry just before engagement occurs, ensuring adequate lubrication is already in place when needed.
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 system effectively reduces drag torque by minimizing fluid levels during disengagement while ensuring adequate lubrication during engagement, maintaining optimal fluid levels and preventing excessive temperatures and plate damage.
Implementation Method 1
The outer carrier can be configured to rotate through the clutch sump and sling an amount of the lubricant fluid from the clutch sump through the first aperture
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the regulation of lubricant fluid levels by moving the gate or valve to inhibit or permit fluid flow based on pressure differentials
Data Source
AI summary
A clutched device can include a differential, a clutch, and a gate. The differential can transmit torque between an input member and first and second output members. A housing can define a sump and a reservoir spaced apart from the sump. A first aperture open to the sump and reservoir can be above a static fluid level of the sump. A second aperture can couple the sump and reservoir below the static fluid level. An outer clutch plate carrier can rotate through the sump and sling fluid through the first aperture. The outer carrier can be coupled for rotation with the second output member and an inner clutch plate carrier can be coupled to a third output member. The gate can be movable between first and second positions. In the first position the gate can block the second aperture. In the second position the second aperture can be open.