Multi-Plate Clutch Fluid Guide Assembly for Reliable Oil Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing friction disk clutches in motor vehicle drivelines face challenges in providing reliable and efficient oil supply, especially during slip operations, which affects cooling and lubrication performance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid guide assembly is introduced, featuring an inner disk carrier with circumferentially distributed longitudinal grooves and a fluid guide element with tab portions and an annular catch portion, allowing for efficient fluid distribution and cooling across the disk pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fluid distributor with axial fluid guide channels is used, then the structure is simple, but the fluid supply reliability during slip operation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid guide element is segmented into multiple functional zones: an annular catch portion for collecting fluid, multiple radially extending tab portions for distributing fluid to different regions, and circumferential grooves for guiding fluid flow. This segmentation enables reliable fluid distribution to multiple friction disk interfaces simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional axial fluid channels to a three-dimensional fluid distribution system using radially extending tab portions with through-openings. This dimensional change allows fluid to be delivered from the catch portion through multiple tabs to different radial locations, ensuring reliable fluid supply during slip operation while managing structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the fluid guide element has multiple tab portions extending radially, then fluid distribution efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid guide element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the annular catch portion collects fluid from the distributor, while multiple tab portions with through-openings simultaneously distribute fluid to different friction disk regions. This merging improves fluid distribution efficiency while avoiding the need for multiple separate components, thus managing manufacturing complexity.
3Power
If the clutch operates at high torques at low speeds, then power transmission capability improves, but cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular catch portion is designed to collect and accumulate fluid before distribution, ensuring that sufficient cooling fluid is available and pressurized before reaching the friction disks. This preliminary action of fluid collection and pressurization enables effective cooling during high-torque, low-speed operation where heat generation is intense but rotational pumping is minimal.
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 fluid guide assembly ensures reliable fluid supply and efficient cooling, enabling the clutch unit to handle high torques at low speeds, while also lubricating components effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The inner disk carrier includes, directed radially outwards, a plurality of circumferential longitudinal grooves extending axially from the shoulder portion into the carrier portion. The tab portions of the fluid distribution member are received outside in and/or covering the longitudinal grooves so that a fluid passage through which fluid can flow is formed between each of the longitudinal grooves and the associated tab portions.
Implementation Method 2
Wet friction disk clutches comprise several friction disks which are cooled and/or lubricated by a surrounding fluid, for example oil. The fluid guide assembly ensures reliable fluid supply and efficient cooling, enabling the clutch unit to handle high torques at low speeds.
Implementation Method 3
A sufficient oil supply for friction disk clutches is important in order to sufficiently lubricate components rotating relative to each other and to dissipate heat generated by friction.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid guide assembly for a friction disk clutch comprises an inner disk carrier having a carrier portion, a shoulder portion, and a shaft portion. The carrier portion has a connecting structure for receiving inner disks in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner; and a fluid guide element which is fixedly connected to the inner disk carrier and which comprises an annular catching portion in which inflowing fluid can be caught, and a plurality of circumferentially distributed tab portions which extend in the axial direction and which each have a radial through-opening. The inner disk carrier has, directed radially outwardly, a plurality of longitudinal grooves which extend axially from the shoulder portion into the carrier portion and which are covered by tab portions of the fluid guide element.