Central Clutch-Release Bearing Layout for Reduced Axial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch systems require significant axial installation space, particularly in central release bearings and dual clutch systems, which limits their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The central release bearing design incorporates at least two first cylinders and a second annular cylinder with pistons connected to needle or angular contact ball release bearings, allowing for reduced axial installation space through the use of needle bearings and a one-piece plastic or aluminum housing, enabling axial movement and compact clutch system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional release bearings (angular contact ball bearings) are used in central release bearing designs, then reliable clutch actuation is achieved, but axial installation space is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bearing type parameter from angular contact ball bearings to needle bearings. Needle bearings have a fundamentally different geometric parameter (needle-shaped rollers instead of spherical balls), enabling the same rotational support function with dramatically reduced axial dimension. This parameter change directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while reducing axial installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a bearing design optimized for radial dimensions to one optimized for axial dimensions. By selecting needle bearings, the design shifts the dimensional emphasis - the bearing now extends primarily in the radial direction while minimizing axial footprint. This dimensional reorientation allows the clutch system to fit within tighter axial space constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate housing components are used for the central release bearing, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity and assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate housing components (first housing, second housing, and intermediate housing) into a single integrated housing structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations between multiple housing parts, reduces the number of sealing interfaces, and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining all necessary functional features.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated housing performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components: it provides structural support, contains both needle bearing assemblies, provides sealing environments for the pistons, and serves as the mounting interface for the clutch system. This multi-functionality reduces complexity while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a central clutch-release bearing (10) for a clutch system (1). The central clutch-release bearing (10) comprises a housing (6) forming at least two cylinders (31) and an annular cylinder (32). A first piston (11) is guided in each of the at least two cylinders (31). A second piston (12) is guided in the annular cylinder (32). The at least two first pistons (11) are operatively connected to a first clutch-release bearing (14) and the second piston (12) is operatively connected to a second clutch-release bearing (15). The axial installation space of the central clutch-release bearing (10) or the clutch system (1) can be reduced by the first clutch-release bearing (14) and/or the second clutch-release bearing (15) being respectively embodied as a needle bearing.