Transmission Clutch Locking Torsion Spring Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry friction clutches face issues with torsion spring overlap and unintended release due to the lack of a reliable and cost-effective adjustment mechanism that securely couples the spring with clutch components, necessitating an improved assembly method.
Innovation Solution
A friction clutch design featuring a diaphragm spring, a dual cam ring adjustment mechanism, and a torsion spring with a locking hook and angled locking slot, which securely biases the second cam ring to rotate relative to the first cam ring, compensating for friction disc wear while preventing spring overlap and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a torsion spring is used in the adjustment mechanism, then the spring can apply biasing force to promote rotation of the second cam ring, but the spring may overlap or unintended release from components
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is segmented into distinct functional zones: an active region that applies biasing force, a transition region that prevents coil overlap, and a locking region with the locking hook that secures the spring to the pressure plate. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between force application and retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring incorporates composite structural features combining flexible coil sections with rigid locking elements. The spring body provides elastic deformation for force application, while the integrated locking hook provides rigid mechanical retention, creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves both biasing force and reliable retention.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the torsion spring, then spring retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hook is merged directly into the torsion spring structure rather than being a separate component. This integration allows the spring to perform both its biasing function and its locking function through a single unified element, improving retention reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring is designed to be self-locking through its own structural features. The locking hook is formed as part of the spring itself, allowing the spring to secure itself to the pressure plate without requiring external locking mechanisms or additional components, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable retention.
3Reliability
If the locking slot is formed at an angle relative to the opposing surface, then the locking hook is securely fixed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking slot is pre-formed at the optimal angle during pressure plate manufacturing, establishing the correct geometric relationship between the slot and the torsion spring's locking hook before assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper engagement geometry is built-in, reducing the need for high-precision alignment during final assembly while maintaining reliable locking engagement.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble adjustment mechanism that effectively compensates for friction disc wear, maintaining engagement and preventing spring-related issues like overlap and unintended release, ensuring consistent clutch performance.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring including a longitudinal axis. The torsion spring is disposed in the annular groove. The torsion spring extends to a first end connected to the first cam ring and the torsion spring has a second end connected to the pressure plate. The torsion spring applies a biasing force to the second cam ring promoting rotation of the second cam ring relative to the first cam ring.
Implementation Method 2
The pressure plate includes a locking slot formed therein partially through the pressure plate and through the opposing surface. The locking slot is formed at an angle relative to the opposing surface and the second end of the torsion spring includes a locking hook formed thereon. The locking hook extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring. The locking hook is disposed in the locking slot fixing the locking hook relative to the pressure plate.
Implementation Method 3
A diaphragm spring is positioned between the cover and the pressure plate biasing the pressure plate toward the friction disc.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment mechanism for a clutch is positioned between the diaphragm spring and the pressure plate, the adjustment mechanism including: a first cam ring rotatably fixed with respect to the pressure plate, a second cam ring rotatable relative to the first cam ring and both cam rings having a plurality of cam surfaces configured such that rotation of the second cam ring relative to the first cam ring varies a height of the adjustment mechanism, and a torsion spring including a longitudinal axis. The torsion spring is disposed in the annular groove. The torsion spring includes a helical round cylindrical body that extends to a first end connected to the first cam ring and the torsion spring has a second end connected to the pressure plate. The torsion spring applies a biasing force to the second cam ring promoting rotation of the second cam ring relative to the first cam ring. The pressure plate includes a locking slot formed therein partially through the pressure plate and through the opposing surface. The locking slot is formed at an angle relative to the opposing surface and the second end of the torsion spring includes a locking hook formed thereon. The locking hook extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring. The locking hook is disposed in the locking slot fixing the locking hook relative to the pressure plate.