Friction Clutch Segmented Discs Reduce Rotational Inertia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional friction clutch systems face challenges in reducing rotational inertia and spatial requirements while providing adequate torsional damping, leading to diminished clutch performance and drivability issues due to the lack of damper springs in compact designs and increased weight with sprung hub assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A friction clutch system is designed with a first friction disc assembly having axially extending protuberances and a second disc assembly with radial openings for direct engagement, along with a floater plate and pressure plate assembly, to reduce rotational inertia and provide torsional damping within a compact and simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If damper springs are added to friction disc assemblies to provide torsional damping, then clutch performance and drivability are improved, but rotating weight and spatial envelope increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch system divides the friction disc assemblies into two types: first friction disc assemblies with damper springs for torsional damping, and second friction disc assemblies without damper springs for reduced weight. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both clutch performance and weight reduction by distributing different functional characteristics across multiple discs.
2Power
If multiple friction disc assemblies are used to increase torque capacity, then torque transmission capability is improved, but rotational inertia and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch system uses a segmented arrangement of friction disc assemblies with different configurations. Second friction disc assemblies without hubs or with reduced hub structures reduce the spatial envelope and rotational inertia, while first friction disc assemblies with damper springs provide necessary torsional damping. This segmentation enables high torque capacity within compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch system arranges friction disc assemblies in a multi-dimensional configuration where discs are stacked axially between the pressure plate and flywheel. This axial stacking in the third dimension allows multiple friction surfaces to be packed into a compact radial space, increasing torque capacity without proportionally increasing the overall clutch diameter.
3Volume of moving object
If solid hubs without damper springs are used to reduce spatial envelope, then compact design is achieved, but torsional damping and clutch performance are diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch system segments the friction disc assemblies into two functional groups: first friction disc assemblies equipped with damper springs for torsional damping, and second friction disc assemblies with solid hubs for compact design. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both compact dimensions and adequate clutch performance by combining different disc types in the same clutch pack.
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 achieves reduced rotational inertia and torsional damping, enhancing clutch performance and drivability while maintaining a compact design, suitable for high-performance applications within space-constrained vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The hub assembly may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft
Implementation Method 2
A friction disc assembly is located between the flywheel and the pressure plate assembly. The friction discs include friction facings or linings
Data Source
AI summary
A friction clutch system mechanically couples a power source to a driven system of a vehicle to reduce the rotational inertia of the clutch system, provide torsional damping within the system, and minimize vibration (e.g., rattling) between a floater and a flywheel. In one embodiment, the friction clutch system includes a first friction disc assembly directly engaged with a second friction disc assembly. The first disc assembly may include protuberances that extend axially from a hub assembly, which in turn may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft. The second friction disc assembly includes openings, which may take the form of radial slots, configured to engageably receive the protuberances. The first disc assembly may be positioned adjacent to a pressure plate assembly or a flywheel. A floater plate may be located between the first and second friction disc assemblies.