Clutch Device Axial Spring Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch devices for small vehicles face challenges in achieving easy clutch capacity control and downsizing while maintaining efficient power transmission and non-transmission switching.
Innovation Solution
A clutch device design featuring a clutch piston supported by a disc spring and a return spring, where the springs are arranged parallel to the axial direction, allowing precise control of clutch capacity through proportional spring force and compact design, enabling efficient power transmission and non-transmission switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a disc spring is used to urge the clutch piston toward the connected position, then the clutch capacity can be controlled by the moving distance of the member, but the axial size of the clutch device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single axial spring arrangement to a radial arrangement where multiple springs are positioned around the clutch piston in the circumferential direction. This dimensional change allows the spring force to be applied radially inward rather than axially, reducing the axial height requirement while maintaining the necessary clutch engagement force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single spring function into multiple segmental springs arranged circumferentially around the clutch piston. Instead of one long axial spring, multiple shorter springs are positioned at different angular positions, collectively providing the necessary urging force while reducing the axial dimension and improving force distribution.
2Length of moving object
If the clutch device is downsized for small vehicles, then the axial size is reduced, but the clutch capacity control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radial arrangement of multiple springs to generate axial force through radial compression. By positioning springs circumferentially and having them compress radially inward against the clutch piston, the system achieves effective clutch engagement force without requiring large axial space, thus enabling downsizing while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple spring elements into a unified radial arrangement that works together to provide the necessary clutch engagement force. The multiple springs are positioned and configured to act in unison, merging their individual forces into a collective radial compression that translates to axial engagement force on the clutch piston.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple springs are arranged alternately in the clutch rotation direction, then the force distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spring system into multiple identical modular units arranged alternately around the clutch piston. Each spring unit is a simple compression spring, but their alternating arrangement creates balanced radial force distribution. This segmentation allows the complex force distribution requirement to be met through simple, repeatable modular elements.
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 design allows for precise clutch capacity control, reduced axial size, and efficient power transmission, while maintaining a compact and balanced arrangement of springs, facilitating easy integration in small vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch spring that is disposed between the input portion and the clutch piston and transmits to the clutch piston the force toward the clutch connected position input to the input portion from the external force mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a return spring that is disposed between the clutch inner and the clutch piston and urges the clutch piston toward a clutch disconnected position with a force smaller than that of the clutch spring
Implementation Method 3
for switching between transmission and non-transmission of power between the clutch outer and the clutch inner by bringing the outer and inner friction plates into pressure contact with one another in a clutch axial direction or releasing the pressure contact
Data Source
AI summary
The clutch device includes, a right pressure flange that brings clutch discs provided on a clutch outer and clutch plates provided on a clutch inner into pressure contact with one another. A pressure ring that moves the right pressure flange with an external force and a clutch spring transmits the force toward a clutch connected position, from the pressure ring to the right pressure flange. Further, a return spring between the clutch inner and the right pressure flange urges the right pressure flange toward a clutch disconnected position. The clutch spring and the return spring are disposed parallel to a clutch axial direction, their respective positions overlapping each other in the clutch axial direction.