Clutch Disc Progressivity Blades for Smoother Re-Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing progressivity devices for friction clutch discs in motor vehicles suffer from rapid wear of friction faces, uncontrolled deformation during clutch re-engagement, and high stiffness, leading to discomfort and torque transmission discontinuities.
Innovation Solution
A progressivity device with extended circumferential progressivity blades and friction pads attached to the support flange, where each blade has a fixed end covered by the friction pad, increasing the friction surface area and allowing controlled deformation, reducing geometric defects and overall stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If friction pads are arranged in segments on progressivity blades, then the progressivity device can deform during clutch re-engagement, but the friction face wear becomes rapid and durability is harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The friction face is segmented into multiple friction pads distributed around the circumference, allowing progressive engagement while maintaining sufficient contact area on each pad to reduce wear and improve durability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the progressivity blade are assigned different functions: the fixed end provides stable mounting, the support region provides controlled deformation, and the friction pads provide friction contact. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between deformation capability and wear resistance
2Ease of operation
If progressivity blades are used with segmented friction pads, then torque transmission can be progressive, but the blades deform in an uncontrolled manner creating discontinuities and chatter
Solution Approach 1:
The progressivity blade is pre-formed with a support region that has predetermined deformation characteristics. This preliminary structuring ensures controlled deformation during clutch engagement, preventing uncontrolled blade deflection and associated chatter
Solution Approach 2:
The support region of the progressivity blade is designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, curvature, material properties) that control its deformation behavior. By optimizing these parameters, the blade deforms in a controlled manner to ensure smooth torque transmission
3Device complexity
If the number of folds on progressivity blades is limited, then the structure remains simple, but the overall stiffness is high and vehicle comfort is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more folds in the same dimension, the invention introduces a new dimensional aspect by adding a support region with specific thickness and curvature characteristics. This additional dimensional parameter allows control of stiffness without increasing structural complexity through more folds
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
The solution enhances durability and comfort during clutch re-engagement by increasing the friction surface area and controlling deformation, reducing geometric defects and improving torque transmission smoothness.
Implementation Method 1
each progressivity blade comprises one end fixed to the external part, another free end and folds delimiting a support region for the friction pad, the friction pad associated with this progressivity blade covering the end fixed to the support flange
Data Source
AI summary
A progressivity device for a friction clutch disc includes a support flange, having a central axis of rotation, in which an annular central part is designed to cooperate with a torsional vibration damper, and an external part bears progressivity blades and friction pads attached to the progressivity blades. The progressivity blades extend circumferentially over at least one of the faces of the support flange. The progressivity blade include one end fixed to the external part, another free end and folds delimiting a support region for the friction pad.