Clutch Piston Surface Structure for Hydraulic Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bubbles in the piston chamber of a clutch mechanism operated by oil pressure can interfere with hydraulic responsiveness, as they can remain due to the constant flow velocity of oil, which does not effectively remove them.
Innovation Solution
The piston features a second side surface portion with an uneven shape in the circumferential direction, increasing the piston chamber's capacity and altering oil flow velocity, acting as a partition to prevent bubble stagnation by utilizing the buoyant force of oil to remove bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smooth piston chamber is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but bubbles stay in the piston chamber and hydraulic responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piston chamber is designed with locally varied surface qualities - smooth regions for manufacturing ease and bubble release, and uneven regions with protrusions for bubble trapping and removal. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying different surface characteristics in different locations to achieve both simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The uneven portions with protrusions convert the harmful effect of bubble stagnation into a beneficial bubble removal mechanism. The protrusions create controlled turbulence and flow separation that actively expel bubbles from the piston chamber, transforming the problem of bubble accumulation into a solution for bubble elimination.
2Reliability
If an uneven shape is added to the piston chamber, then bubble removal improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire piston chamber uneven, only specific local regions contain protrusions. This localized approach to creating unevenness minimizes manufacturing complexity while still achieving effective bubble removal in the critical areas where bubbles tend to accumulate.
3Reliability
If the piston chamber capacity is increased, then bubble stagnation is prevented, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston chamber is segmented into different functional regions - smooth areas for oil flow and uneven areas with protrusions for bubble management. This segmentation allows the chamber to prevent bubble stagnation through flow disruption rather than through increased volume, maintaining compact dimensions while achieving reliable bubble removal.
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
This design effectively prevents bubble stagnation in the piston chamber, enhancing hydraulic responsiveness and increasing the piston's strength while ensuring reliable operation of the clutch mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
acting as a partition to prevent bubble stagnation by utilizing the buoyant force of oil to remove bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch mechanism switches a clutch to one of an engaging state and a released state by a piston operated by an oil pressure. The piston includes a first side surface portion configured to press the clutch, and a second side surface portion on which the oil pressure acts. The second side surface portion has an uneven shape in a circumferential direction.