Separating Clutch Restoring Spring Locking for Compact High-Speed Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separating clutches face challenges in maintaining functionality at high circumferential and rotational speeds, requiring increased force to overcome engagement gaps while adhering to space constraints, leading to reduced service life, especially when coupled with electric motors.
Innovation Solution
A separating clutch design where the restoring spring is screwed into a pressure pot without protruding, allowing for a compact installation and efficient use of space, with a positively locking connection achieved through integral sections or intermediate components, enabling easy assembly and reduced component count, and featuring an anti-rotation lock for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the restoring spring is designed with a large force edge diameter to provide sufficient force, then the force requirement is met, but the installation space is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring spring is nested within the pressure pot assembly, with the spring positioned inside the pressure pot rather than surrounding it. This nesting arrangement allows the spring to provide sufficient restoring force while occupying minimal installation space, resolving the contradiction between force requirement and space constraint
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force is optimized by adjusting the spring's geometric parameters (such as wire diameter, free length, and active coils) rather than increasing the force edge diameter. This dimensional optimization allows the spring to generate adequate force within a compact volume, meeting both force and space requirements
2Reliability
If the pressure pot surrounds the restoring spring with feet, then the spring is secured, but the installation space is increased and geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring securing function is merged with the pressure pot body itself. The pressure pot is designed with integrated features (such as internal ribs or shaped walls) that directly secure the spring, eliminating the need for separate feet or additional securing components. This reduces installation space and simplifies the overall geometry while maintaining reliable spring securing
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure pot serves multiple functions: it contains the spring, secures the spring in position, transmits actuating force, and defines the engagement gap. By making the pressure pot multi-functional, separate securing components are eliminated, reducing installation space and geometric complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If the restoring spring is positioned to engage through the pressing element, then assembly is simplified, but the pressing element geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the pressing element engage through the spring, the spring is designed to engage through the pressing element. This inversion simplifies the pressing element geometry by eliminating the need for complex through-features, while the spring's helical structure naturally accommodates the engagement. The spring acts as the active component that drives the engagement, simplifying overall assembly
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 enhances the service life of clutch components by maintaining functionality at high speeds without increasing installation space requirements, ensuring reliable torque transmission and reduced manufacturing costs through efficient assembly and adjustment options.
Implementation Method 1
the restoring spring, which is provided for canceling the non-positive connection
Implementation Method 2
a force edge of that restoring spring, for example designed as a disc spring
Data Source
AI summary
A separating clutch for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes a torque forwarding component, an outer multiple disc carrier fixed to the torque forwarding component for conjoint rotation, a first plurality of friction discs, a second plurality of friction discs arranged to transmit torque through a non-positive connection with the first plurality of friction discs, a pressing element having a first side facing the friction discs and a second side, opposite the first side, facing away from the friction discs, and a restoring spring. The pressing element is for axially displacing a one of the first or second plurality of friction discs to realize the non-positive connection, and the restoring spring contacts the pressing element for canceling the non-positive connection. The restoring spring engages through and behind the first side from the second side in a positively locking connection with the pressing element.