Dual-Sided Clutch Piston With Stop Disc for Axial Travel Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clutch systems for decoupling engines from motor vehicle drive trains lack efficient mechanisms for variable pressure management and axial movement control, leading to suboptimal performance and potential functional safety issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a clutch system with a stop disc/baffle disc arranged in a pressure chamber to limit axial movement of the piston, and the use of variable pressure spaces and pressure connections facilitated by a pressure space sleeve, allowing for bilateral actuation and efficient return strokes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a piston is used for bilateral actuation in a clutch system, then the clutch can be coupled and decoupled effectively, but control over axial movement and pressure distribution becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebilateral actuation capabilityVSAvoidpressure space management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure chamber is segmented into multiple pressure spaces (first pressure space and second pressure space) by a stop disc and seals. This segmentation allows independent pressure control on both sides of the piston, enabling bilateral actuation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular pressure zone definition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A stop disc acts as an intermediary element between the pressure sources and the piston. It separates the pressure chamber into distinct pressure spaces and works with seals to prevent pressure mixing, thereby simplifying the control of bilateral piston movement by providing clear pressure zone boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If variable pressure spaces are implemented for return stroke, then the clutch performance is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch operation efficiencyVSAvoidpressure chamber configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic pressure space configuration where the stop disc can be positioned to create variable pressure spaces. During coupling, the first pressure space acts on the piston, and during decoupling, the second pressure space provides return stroke pressure. This dynamic reconfiguration of pressure zones enhances operational efficiency while using a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop disc serves multiple functions: it separates pressure spaces, provides a mounting surface for seals, and enables the creation of variable pressure volumes. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced clutch performance with minimal additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If a stop disc is used to limit axial movement, then piston position control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial position controlVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stop disc is pre-positioned within the pressure chamber at a predetermined axial location before final assembly. This preliminary positioning establishes the maximum axial travel limit for the piston, ensuring precise position control is built into the structure from the outset rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stop disc is implemented as a simple, relatively inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Its simplicity allows for precise axial position control through basic machining and assembly operations, avoiding the need for complex, expensive positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution enables precise control of axial movement and pressure distribution, enhancing the clutch's performance, reducing noise and vibration, and improving functional safety by preventing unwanted piston movements.

Implementation Method 1

a piston (2) which is arranged in a housing (3) and which can be axially displaceable due to pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a stop disc/baffle disc (10) arranged in a pressure chamber (6; 7), which limits an axial movement of the piston (2) at least in one axial direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12313126B2Clutch with a piston that can be acted upon from both sides, and stop plate

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A clutch for selectively coupling a motor to a motor vehicle drive train includes a housing, a shift sleeve, an actuating bell arranged to move the shift sleeve, a piston and a stop disc. The housing includes a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The piston is connected to the actuating bell and arranged in a pressure-dependent axially movable manner between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. The stop disc is arranged in the first pressure chamber or in the second pressure chamber for limiting axial mobility of the piston.