Wet Friction Clutch Cooling via Mounting Plate Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for wet friction-type fan drives in vehicle cooling systems are inadequate in enhancing the thermal resistance capacity of clutches during useful load conditions, despite the use of cooling fins and fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system comprising a shaft mounting plate and an engine mounting plate with passageways for circulating cooling fluids, where the automatic transmission fluid is used to transfer heat to the engine coolant, which is then dissipated through the engine cooling system, effectively reducing the temperature of the fan drive device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wet friction-type fan drives are used for driving engine cooling fans, then engine horsepower is saved and cooling is provided only when needed, but significant heat is generated by the fan drives requiring additional cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clutch housing with a mounting plate that integrates both shaft mounting and engine mounting functions. This merged structure incorporates cooling passageways directly into the housing, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall system complexity while effectively managing the heat generated by the wet friction clutch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling fluid as an intermediary substance that circulates through passageways in the clutch housing. This fluid acts as a heat transfer medium, absorbing heat from the clutch and transporting it away, thereby managing the thermal load without directly contacting the friction surfaces.
2Temperature
If cooling fins and cooling fluid circulation are used on fan drives, then operating temperatures are maintained within acceptable ranges, but the thermal resistance capacity during useful load conditions is still insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level cooling (cooling fins) to volumetric cooling by incorporating internal passageways that circulate cooling fluid through the clutch housing. This three-dimensional cooling approach increases the heat transfer surface area and improves thermal management efficiency, thereby enhancing thermal resistance capacity during high-load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal management parameters by changing from passive cooling (fins) to active cooling (fluid circulation). By adjusting the flow rate and temperature of the cooling fluid, the system can dynamically adapt to varying thermal loads, improving the clutch's thermal resistance capacity under useful load conditions.
3Reliability
If conventional cooling systems are used for clutches, then cooling is provided, but the capacity of the clutches in useful load conditions is not sufficiently enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clutch housing with a mounting plate that integrates both shaft mounting and engine mounting functions. This combined structure incorporates cooling passageways directly into the housing, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall system complexity while effectively managing the heat generated by the wet friction clutch.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for mounting the clutch to the engine, incorporates cooling passageways for thermal management, and facilitates fluid circulation. This multi-functional design enhances clutch capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 proposed cooling system reduces the temperature of the fan drive device by several degrees, enhancing the thermal resistance capacity of the clutch and resulting in savings of engine horsepower and improved fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer of heat from the automatic transmission fluid circulating in the shaft mounting plate and coming in contact with the engine mounting plate is used to reduce the temperature of the shaft and fan drive device
Implementation Method 2
The engine coolant, which is circulated through the engine mounting plate, picks up heat from the automatic transmission fluid and carries it through the engine cooling system where it in turn is dissipated by conventional means
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a fan drive device, particularly for a wet friction clutch. The clutch shaft member is attached to a shaft mounting plate and ATF is circulated through them. The shaft mounting plate is connected in turn to an engine mounting plate which has engine coolant circulated through it at a lower temperature. The shaft mounting plate and engine mounting plates both have passageways for circulation of fluids therein.