Hydraulic Clutch Porting Manifold With Isolated Pressure and Lube Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch assemblies in aircraft low speed spool turbomachines require improved methods for selectively engaging different gear ratios using clutches that need to be opened or closed on command, while ensuring efficient torque transmission and lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic clutch assembly with a porting manifold that includes separate control pressure and lubrication flow paths, isolated by seals, and a piston mechanism to engage and disengage clutch baskets, utilizing control pressure to transmit torque and lubrication to ensure smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control pressure and lubrication flow paths are implemented in a porting manifold, then reliability of clutch engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porting manifold is segmented into separate control pressure flow paths and lubrication flow paths that are fluidly isolated from each other. This segmentation ensures that control pressure and lubrication functions are independently managed, preventing interference between the two systems and improving clutch engagement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The porting manifold acts as an intermediary component that receives both control pressure and lubrication flow inputs and distributes them through separate internal channels to the clutch assembly. This intermediary structure enables independent control of pressure transmission and lubrication delivery.
2Reliability
If a piston mechanism with sealed flow paths is used to engage clutch baskets, then torque transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism replaces direct mechanical engagement with hydraulic actuation. Control pressure acts on the piston to move it axially, which in turn engages or disengages the clutch baskets. This substitution provides smoother operation and more reliable torque transmission while reducing mechanical wear.
Solution Approach 2:
Seals are employed within the piston mechanism to create flexible barriers that fluidly isolate control pressure flow paths from lubrication flow paths. These seals ensure that the two fluid systems remain independent while allowing the piston to move axially within the porting manifold.
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
Enables predictable torque transmission and lubrication across a wide speed range, ensuring clutch engagement and disengagement reliability, with sealed flow paths preventing leakage and maintaining clutch functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The control pressure path and the lubrication path are fluidly isolated in the porting manifold
Implementation Method 2
The piston can be configured to move between a retracted position and an engaged position wherein the piston engages a clutch pack
Implementation Method 3
A spring can be disposed between the back side of the backstop and the balance dam to bias the piston to the retracted position
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of manifold seals disposed within the seal grooves and configured to fluidly isolate the control pressure from the lubrication flow within the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic clutch assembly can include a shaft (101) defining a shaft channel (103), one or more hydraulic ports (105) defined through the shaft, and one or more lubrication holes (107) defined through the shaft. A porting manifold (209) can be disposed at least partially within the shaft channel. The porting manifold can include a control pressure path in fluid communication with the one or more hydraulic ports and a lubrication flow path in fluid communication with the one or more lubrication holes. The control pressure path and the lubrication path can be fluidly isolated in the porting manifold.