Clutch Piston and Compensation Dam for Smooth Hydraulic Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically applied clutches in vehicle drivetrains face challenges in smoothly and efficiently applying axial force to clutch plates due to rapid pressure increases and uneven force distribution, which can lead to premature engagement and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically applied clutch design featuring a piston with axial protrusions and a compensation dam, sealed with multiple seals, and a piston return spring, where the piston and compensation dam are axially aligned, and include radial walls and flow holes to manage pressure and fluid flow, ensuring a balanced and proportional force application to the clutch plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hydraulic pressure is applied rapidly to the piston, then the clutch engagement speed is improved, but the force distribution becomes uneven and premature engagement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The piston surface is divided into multiple zones with different areas, where each zone receives hydraulic pressure through separate channels. This creates local quality variations in force application, allowing different regions of the clutch plate to engage at different rates, thereby distributing force evenly while maintaining rapid overall engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pressure application is segmented into multiple independent channels, each supplying pressure to a specific region of the piston. This segmentation allows independent control of force distribution across different zones, preventing premature engagement while achieving fast overall clutch engagement through coordinated pressure application.
2Device complexity
If a single piston design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force application smoothness and pressure distribution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is segmented into multiple functional zones with distinct pressure application regions, each controlled by separate hydraulic channels. This segmentation enables sophisticated force distribution patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall piston structure that integrates seamlessly with the clutch assembly.
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 ensures a smoother and more controlled application of axial force to the clutch plate, reducing the risk of premature engagement and enhancing the durability and efficiency of the clutch system by maintaining consistent pressure distribution and fluid balance.
Implementation Method 1
the hydraulically applied clutch include a piston return spring for urging the piston away from the compensation dam
Implementation Method 2
The piston is sealed to the hub at a piston outer diameter and a piston inner diameter
Implementation Method 3
the hub includes an oil channel disposed axially between the piston and the compensation dam
Implementation Method 4
the compensation dam includes a plurality of flow holes disposed radially proximate the piston inner diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulically applied clutch for a vehicle drivetrain includes a hub, a piston, and a compensation dam. The piston is sealed to the hub at a piston outer diameter and a piston inner diameter. The piston has a plurality of axial protrusions for applying an axial force to a clutch plate. The compensation dam is sealed to the hub at a compensation dam outer diameter. The compensation dam has a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of axial protrusions. In an example embodiment, the piston outer diameter and the compensation dam outer diameter are axially aligned. In an example embodiment, the hydraulically applied clutch includes a plurality of seals, each installed on a one of the plurality of axial protrusions for sealing the plurality of axial protrusions for the plurality of apertures.