Multiple-Disc Friction Clutch with Push-Rod Back Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multiple-disc friction clutches in two-wheeled vehicles face issues with operability and clutch capacity adjustment due to the cam mechanism's limitations, leading to uneven torque transmission and potential vehicle start smoothness problems.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-disc friction clutch design featuring a first and second clutch center with elastic members and a push rod system, where the push rod is compressed and deformed to adjust clutch capacity in response to torque variations, ensuring smooth operation and easy adjustment by modifying the elastic members or spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cam mechanism with inclined engagement surfaces is used to reduce clutch capacity during back torque, then back torque prevention is improved, but operability deteriorates due to pressure plate lift and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
A thrust bearing is introduced as an intermediary component between the cam mechanism and the pressure plate. This thrust bearing absorbs the axial thrust forces generated by the inclined engagement surfaces during back torque conditions, preventing these forces from causing pressure plate lift and vibrations. The intermediary component thus protects the pressure plate while maintaining the back torque limitation function.
2Reliability
If the inclination angles of the cam mechanism are increased to reduce clutch capacity, then back torque control is improved, but adjustment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed with adjustable inclination angles of the engagement surfaces. By changing the inclination angle parameter, the clutch capacity during back torque can be precisely controlled. The thrust bearing ensures that these angle adjustments do not compromise operability, providing both effective back torque control and adjustment flexibility.
3Reliability
If the cam mechanism operates with sliding contact on inclined surfaces, then clutch capacity reduction is achieved, but torque transmission efficiency is reduced due to impact and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing serves as a cushioning element that is positioned in advance between the cam mechanism and the pressure plate. During normal operation, it is ready to absorb axial thrust forces before they can cause impact and vibrations. This beforehand cushioning prevents energy loss while maintaining the clutch capacity reduction function during back torque.
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 design enhances operability by minimizing pressure plate lift and vibrations, allowing for smooth starting and easy adjustment of clutch capacity, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the clutch system.
Implementation Method 1
Elastic members are interposed between the first clutch center and the second clutch center and are configured to be compressed and deformed by relative rotation of the first clutch center and the second clutch center
Implementation Method 2
a friction material that contacts the clutching part on a side opposite to the pressure plate
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-disc friction clutch includes clutch centers, which are first and second clutch centers. The first clutch center is axially supported by an output rotation shaft in a relatively non-rotatable manner. The second clutch center is supported by the first clutch center in a relatively rotatable manner. Elastic members are interposed between the first and the second clutch centers and are compressed and deformed by relative rotation of the first and the second clutch centers so as to transmit power. The second clutch center has a side wall that faces a pressure plate and has an opening part that penetrates in an axial direction, at a position facing the elastic member of the side wall. A push rod is inserted and fitted in the opening part and is moved in the axial direction by compression deformation of the elastic member so as to press the pressure plate.