Clutch Plate Rib Geometry for High-Torque Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Friction clutches used in power transfer components become excessively large and heavy when designed to transmit high torque, leading to increased mass and size issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a friction clutch with a hub member, rim portion, and rib members that intersect to form mass reduction apertures, allowing for a reduced overall mass while maintaining torque transmission capacity by optimizing the geometry of the clutch plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the clutch size is increased to transmit high torque, then the torque transmission capacity is improved, but the mass of the clutch significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch plate is segmented into multiple web members that intersect to form a grid-like structure. This segmentation allows the plate to maintain structural integrity and torque transmission capability while removing material from non-critical areas, thereby reducing mass without compromising strength
Solution Approach 2:
The web members are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide localized reinforcement where torque stresses are highest, while reducing material in areas with lower stress concentrations. This creates a non-uniform distribution of material that optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio of the clutch plate
2Power
If the clutch size is increased to transmit high torque, then the torque transmission capacity is improved, but the overall size of the clutch becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch plate design uses segmented web members that create a lightweight truss-like structure, allowing the clutch to achieve high torque capacity with a more compact overall size compared to traditional solid plate designs
3Power
If the quantity of clutch plates is increased to transmit high torque, then the torque transmission capacity is improved, but the overall length and mass of the clutch increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each clutch plate is segmented into multiple web members that work together to distribute torque across the plate structure. This allows individual plates to handle higher torque loads, reducing the total number of plates needed and thereby decreasing the overall clutch length
Solution Approach 2:
The web members are designed with varying cross-sections and orientations to optimize local stress distribution, allowing each plate to be more efficient at torque transmission and reducing the need for additional plates
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 design effectively reduces the mass of the clutch while maintaining or enhancing torque transmission capabilities, addressing the size and weight challenges of traditional friction clutches.
Implementation Method 1
The rib members intersect one another between the female hub teeth and the rim member to form a plurality of mass reduction apertures
Implementation Method 2
A friction clutch typically includes two sets of clutch plates that are interleaved with one another. An axially-directed force is applied to the clutch plates to frictionally engage them with one another so as to permit torque transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A friction clutch with a clutch plate having a hub member, a rim portion and a plurality of rib members. The hub member has a plurality of female hub teeth. The rim portion is disposed concentrically about the hub member and has a rim member and a friction material that is coupled to the rim member. Each of the rib members extend radially between the hub member and the rim member to couple the hub member and the rim member to one another. Each one of the rib members is intersected by at least three of the other rib members. Each of the other rib members intersecting the one of the rib members at a distinct location such that the distinct locations are spaced apart from one another along the one of the rib members.