Multi-Plate Clutch Spacer Layout for Axial Offset Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-plate clutches face challenges in reliably compensating for axial offset while maintaining simplicity and economic production, especially when reaching maximum axial offset values.

Innovation Solution

A multi-plate clutch design incorporating a plate fin, screw fastener, and a spacer element that supports axial movement between flanges, allowing for effective axial offset compensation with a simple and cost-effective solution, including a radially arranged spacer element that distributes force and reduces mechanical strain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-plate clutch is designed to compensate for axial offset, then reliability of axial offset compensation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial offset compensation reliabilityVSAvoidclutch structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spacer element as an intermediary component between the plate fin and the second flange. This spacer element serves as a mediator that limits axial movement and provides a defined stop position, enabling reliable axial offset compensation without requiring complex mechanical structures. The spacer element simplifies the overall design by using a straightforward positioning mechanism rather than complex linkage or adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a complex axial offset stop mechanism is used, then axial offset compensation reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial offset compensation reliabilityVSAvoidclutch production simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than using complex, expensive mechanical stop mechanisms, the patent employs a straightforward spacer that provides reliable axial limitation through its simple geometric form. This approach prioritizes ease of manufacture and installation while achieving the desired functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the spacer element is arranged radially on the lamellar packet ring, then service life is improved through force distribution, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch service lifeVSAvoidspacer arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional axial arrangement of the spacer element to a radial arrangement on the lamellar packet ring. By positioning the spacer element radially, the axial forces from the second flange are distributed across a larger surface area of the lamellar packet ring, reducing mechanical strain and extending service life. This dimensional change in the spacer's positioning strategy enables better force distribution without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11035419B2Multi-plate clutch with improved axial offset stop and industrial application
Publication Date: 2021.06.15 FLENDER GMBH
  • US11035419B2 patent drawing
  • US11035419B2 patent drawing
  • US11035419B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-plate clutch includes a plate fin and first and second flanges connected to one another in a torque-transmitting manner via the plate fin. A screw fastener braces the plate fin on a first lamellar bore with the first flange, and a first spacer element is arranged on the plate fin to support a first axial movement of the second flange.