Friction Clutch Servo Spring Integration for Release Force Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing friction clutch devices face challenges in reducing actuating force with minimal effort, improving operational reliability, reducing adjustment effort, and maintaining a constant contact pressure while minimizing the number of parts and space requirements, especially in adapting release force reduction for conventional designs.

Innovation Solution

The friction clutch device incorporates a servo spring supported on a first spring, which is designed to reduce actuating force by compensating for increased force due to wear, using a unique support radius configuration that allows the servo spring to be integrated with existing components, maintaining constant contact pressure and reducing pedal force through a steeper characteristic curve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a second spring is added to reduce actuating force, then release force reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease forceVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second spring is integrated with the first spring and existing spacer bolts, merging multiple functions into a unified structure. The spacer bolts serve dual purposes: mounting the first spring and supporting the second spring, thereby reducing the number of additional parts needed while achieving release force reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Existing components such as spacer bolts and the first spring are designed to serve multiple functions. The spacer bolts not only mount the first spring but also provide support for the second spring, making the system more efficient without proportionally increasing part count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a servo spring is integrated with existing components, then the number of parts is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidsupport radius configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The solution employs different support radii at different locations of the servo spring to optimize its function. The first support radius and second support radius are specifically configured to match the curvature of the first spring and housing respectively, ensuring proper mechanical engagement while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention specifies precise geometric parameters for the servo spring, including its support radii and curvature, to ensure proper integration with existing components. These parameter changes are designed to balance manufacturing precision requirements with the benefits of part reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the second spring is mounted on spacer bolts, then ease of assembly is improved, but tolerance situation becomes more critical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidtolerance situation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer bolts are designed to automatically position and support both the first and second springs through their geometric features. The multi-stepped cross-section of the spacer bolts provides self-aligning surfaces that facilitate assembly while compensating for normal manufacturing tolerances, reducing the need for tight tolerance specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration effectively reduces release force with reduced effort, enhances operational safety, minimizes the number of parts, and maintains a consistent wear range, ensuring a low maximum release force without compromising contact pressure, thus improving tolerance and space efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring (114, 510) for loading the at least one pressure plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second spring (102, 402, 502) for reducing an actuating force in a state of wear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a friction lining (120) arranged on a driven element (1010)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3025067B1Friction clutch device
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3025067B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3025067B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3025067B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a friction clutch device, in particular for a drive train of a motor vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, comprising an axis of rotation, a housing, at least one pressure plate that is displaceable relative to the housing in the extension direction of the axis of rotation for an actuation between an engaged operating position and a disengaged operating position, a first spring for impacting the at least one pressure plate, and a second spring for reducing an actuating force, wherein the second spring having a first support radius, and having a second support radius on the housing side find support, and in addition, is supported by the first spring in order to improve the design and/or functionality of the friction clutch device.