Disconnect Clutch Piston Orifice for Integrated Cooling Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disconnect clutch assemblies are complex due to multiple channels required for engaging and cooling clutch plates, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A disconnect clutch assembly design featuring a shaft with a balance dam and a piston sealed between the balance dam and a seal plate, with fluid communication between pressure and balance chambers via an orifice, eliminating the need for separate channels for engagement and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate channels are used for engagement and cooling in the shaft, then the clutch assembly can perform both engagement and cooling functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engagement channel and cooling channel into a single integrated channel within the shaft. The single channel serves dual purposes: delivering hydraulic fluid for piston engagement and providing cooling flow to the clutch plates, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining both engagement and cooling functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single channel in the shaft is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both the engagement fluid delivery path and the cooling fluid delivery path, making the channel universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated channels for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate channels are used for engagement and cooling, then the clutch assembly can perform both functions, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the engagement and cooling channels into one single channel in the shaft, the manufacturing process is simplified. Fewer channels mean less machining operations, reduced material removal, and simpler assembly procedures, all of which directly reduce manufacturing cost while maintaining dual functionality
3Ease of operation
If separate channels are used for pressure chamber and balance chamber, then the chambers can be independently controlled, but the shaft complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid delivery path into a single channel that serves both the pressure chamber and balance chamber. The channel is designed with branching flow paths or internal geometry that allows independent control of fluid distribution to each chamber while maintaining a unified structural element in the shaft
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 reduces complexity and cost by integrating fluid flow paths for both engagement and cooling within the clutch assembly, enhancing durability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the balance chamber via the orifice
Implementation Method 2
a second axial channel configured to apply oil cooling flow to the balance chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly includes a shaft, a balance dam sealed to the shaft, a seal plate axially spaced from the balance dam and sealed to the shaft, and a piston. The piston is sealed to the shaft and disposed axially between the balance dam and the seal plate. The piston includes an orifice extending axially therethrough. A pressure chamber is bounded in part by the piston and the seal plate. A balance chamber is bounded in part by the piston and the balance dam. The pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the balance chamber via the orifice.