Elastomer Sleeve on Clutch Release Fork for High-Speed Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch cable systems in motor vehicles fail to effectively dampen vibrations and noise, particularly at high engine speeds, due to the inefficacy of current damping devices under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A damping device comprising a sleeve made of elastomeric material, designed to fit the shape of the clutch fork, is engaged at the insertion slot and retention zone, featuring an internal recess and matching the fork's shape to provide effective vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If damping rings are fitted onto the cable to filter vibrations, then vibration filtration is improved, but the damping effectiveness is lost at high engine speeds due to ring rigidity and dimensional limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the damping device from rigid (metal washers) or semi-rigid (damping rings) to elastomeric material, which provides the necessary flexibility and damping characteristics across a wider range of operating conditions including high engine speeds. The elastomeric material can deform and return, maintaining damping effectiveness where rigid structures fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility and damping in a single integrated material, rather than relying on rigid metal components or separate damping rings. This composite approach creates a damping device that maintains performance across varying operational conditions.
2Reliability
If three washers are added to guarantee dynamic performance of the damping device, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (damping, dynamic performance, structural support) into a single elastomeric damping device that replaces the complex assembly of three separate washers. This integration maintains reliability while significantly reducing component count and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric damping device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration damping, ensures dynamic performance, and serves as a structural component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall device complexity.
3Strength
If a robust solution with a slot in the fork head is used to hold the cable, then cable retention is improved, but vibration damping effectiveness is reduced compared to optimized damping devices
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric damping device acts as an intermediary between the fork and the cable, providing both mechanical retention and vibration damping. Unlike direct metal-to-metal contact in robust solutions, the elastomeric material mediates the interaction, filtering vibrations while maintaining secure cable retention.
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 elastomeric sleeve effectively reduces vibrations and noise transmission through the clutch control by securely attaching to the fork, ensuring consistent damping performance even at high engine speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the proposed device has a cable insertion slot, matching that of the fork. Preferably, the sleeve is made of elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric sleeve effectively reduces vibrations and noise transmission through the clutch control by securely attaching to the fork
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for damping the vibrations on a clutch release fork, at an insertion slot (lb) for inserting and a retaining area (le) for retaining the end of the clutch release cable (3) on same, characterised in that it consists of a sleeve (2) made from elastomer material engaged on the fork at its insertion slot (lb) and retaining area (le), conforming to the shape of the fork.