Clutch Device With Overrun Mechanism For Electric Machine Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch devices for motor vehicle drive trains with an electric machine allocated to the clutch input side are complex, leading to increased space and weight requirements, as well as complex control systems for engaging and disengaging the electric machine.
Innovation Solution
A clutch device with a single multi-plate clutch and an overrun mechanism that transmits torque in only one rotational direction, eliminating the need for an additional multi-plate clutch, allowing for a simpler and more compact design that enables the electric machine to support or replace the drive unit, and recover braking energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional multi-plate clutch is provided for optional engagement of the electric machine, then the electric machine can be engaged optionally, but the constructional complexity increases and space requirement and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the overrun mechanism with the existing clutch structure by integrating the overrun clutch input side with the clutch input side. This merging eliminates the need for a separate additional multi-plate clutch while maintaining the capability for optional electric machine engagement, thereby reducing constructional complexity, space requirements, and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The overrun mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a one-way torque transmission device for the starter motor during engine starting, and simultaneously provides the clutch input side for optional engagement of the electric machine. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional multi-plate clutch is provided for optional engagement of the electric machine, then the electric machine can be engaged optionally, but space requirement and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overrun mechanism with the clutch structure, eliminating the need for a separate additional multi-plate clutch. This integration reduces the total weight of the clutch device while maintaining the capability for optional electric machine engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The overrun mechanism serves dual purposes: enabling starter motor operation during engine starting and providing the clutch input side for optional electric machine engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex control system is provided to engage or disengage the electric machine, then the electric machine can be controlled optionally, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the overrun control logic with the existing clutch control system. Since the overrun clutch input side is merged with the clutch input side, the same control mechanisms can manage both the clutch and the optional electric machine engagement, simplifying the overall control system.
4Ease of operation
If the overrun is arranged upstream of the clutch input side in the torque transmission path, then torque can be transmitted in only one rotational direction, but the clutch device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overrun mechanism with the clutch structure by integrating the overrun clutch input side with the clutch input side. This merging eliminates the need for separate additional components while maintaining the one-directional torque transmission capability, thereby reducing overall device 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 solution results in a space- and weight-saving clutch device with simplified engagement and disengagement of the electric machine, enabling efficient electric operation and energy recovery while reducing construction complexity and weight.
Implementation Method 1
an overrun to transmit torque from the drive unit in only one rotational direction is arranged upstream of the clutch input side in relation to the torque transmission path
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch device for arrangement in a drive train of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a gearbox, which comprises a clutch for optional torque transmission between the drive unit and the gearbox, a clutch input side to which a torque from the drive unit can be transmitted, and an electric machine allocated to the clutch input side, wherein an overrun to transmit the torque from the drive unit in only one rotational direction is arranged upstream of the clutch input side in relation to the torque transmission path.