Diaphragm Spring Clutch Fulcrum for Smoother Torque Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional friction clutches exhibit steep torque transmissibility curves, leading to control issues such as tearing and jerking, particularly in electromechanically or electro-hydraulically actuated systems, necessitating a smoother and more gradual torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an additional axially compressible spring element associated with the intermediate fulcrum, modifying the transmissibility curve by introducing elastic compliance, allowing for a more gradual torque modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional diaphragm spring clutch mechanism is used, then the clutch structure is simple and reliable, but the torque transmissibility curve is steep causing control problems such as tearing and jerking
Solution Approach 1:
An additional elastic element is introduced as an intermediary component between the diaphragm spring and the intermediate fulcrum. This elastic element acts as a mediator that softens the interaction forces, transforming the steep torque transmissibility curve into a smoother curve, thereby eliminating control problems such as tearing and jerking during clutch engagement and disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the clutch system by adding an elastic element with specific stiffness characteristics. This modifies the overall compliance of the clutch mechanism, altering the torque transmissibility curve shape from steep to gradual, thereby improving controllability and reducing harmful mechanical shocks.
2Ease of operation
If the torque transmissibility curve is made less steep for better controllability, then clutch operation becomes smoother, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of redesigning the entire clutch mechanism, the invention applies a localized modification by adding an elastic element only at the intermediate fulcrum location. This local quality change selectively modifies the torque transmissibility characteristics where needed, achieving smoother torque modulation without substantially increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If an additional elastic element is added to modify the transmissibility curve, then torque transmission becomes smoother, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional elastic element is designed to be integrated with the existing intermediate fulcrum structure, merging two functions (fulcrum support and elastic compliance) into a single combined component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process while still achieving the desired smooth torque transmission.
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 additional elastic element provides a smoother torque transmission, improving clutch controllability and reducing mechanical shocks during engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
The additional spring element is configured and arranged to be elastically and axially compressed in response to a deflection of the diaphragm spring
Implementation Method 2
at least one additional axially compressible spring element operatively associated with the intermediate fulcrum
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6
AI summary
A friction clutch mechanism includes a diaphragm spring (11), a pressure plate (14) having a peripheral fulcrum (16) acting against a first face (11a) of the diaphragm spring (11), and a pair of axially opposed intermediate fulcrums (12, 13) supported by a clutch cover (18) and acting on respective opposite faces (11a, 11b) of the diaphragm spring (11) along a radially intermediate portion thereof. The mechanism comprises an additional axially compressible elastic element (20) operatively associated with a first intermediate fulcrum (12) of the pair of axially opposed intermediate fulcrums located on the side of the pressure plate (14). The additional elastic element (20) is axially and elastically compressible in response to a deflection of the diaphragm spring (11) towards an open friction condition. The additional elastic element has a radially innermost annular portion (20a) resting on one or more bearing surfaces (22a) supported by a clutch cover (18), and a radially outermost annular portion (20b) that cantilevers and has a protrusion (12) circumferentially extended and axially projecting towards the first face (11a) of the diaphragm spring to serve as the first intermediate fulcrum (12).