Clutch Spring Retainer Reduces Balancing Dam Fill Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clutch systems in vehicle transmissions face challenges in efficiently managing hydraulic fluid pressure and balancing centrifugal forces, which can lead to increased fill times and operational inefficiencies, particularly in applications with engine auto start/stop functions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a spring retainer mechanism within the clutch module that reduces the fill volume of balancing dam chambers by occupying a portion of the chamber volume, allowing for faster fluid delivery and reduced operational time through a series fluid circuit configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balancing dam chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid to balance centrifugal forces, then the clutch engagement reliability is improved, but the fill time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring retainer mechanism extracts or removes a portion of the balancing dam chamber volume by occupying space within the chamber. This reduction in chamber volume directly decreases the amount of hydraulic fluid required for filling, thereby reducing fill time while maintaining the necessary pressure balancing function for reliable clutch engagement.
2Loss of substance
If a series fluid circuit configuration is used to deliver hydraulic fluid, then the hydraulic fluid usage is minimized and pressure management is optimized, but the fill time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring retainer mechanism extracts or removes a portion of the balancing dam chamber volume by occupying space within the chamber. This reduction in chamber volume directly decreases the amount of hydraulic fluid required for filling, thereby reducing fill time while maintaining the necessary pressure balancing function for reliable clutch engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the volume parameter of the balancing dam chamber by introducing the spring retainer mechanism. This volume reduction allows the series fluid circuit configuration to operate more efficiently, delivering the required hydraulic fluid with less total volume and reduced fill time, thereby optimizing both fluid usage and time parameters.
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 solution reduces the time required to fill balancing dam chambers, enhancing clutch operational efficiency and supporting applications with engine auto start/stop functions by minimizing hydraulic fluid usage and optimizing pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is disposed within the pocket and is configured to disengage the piston from a clutch pack
Implementation Method 2
The fluid circuit is configured to deliver hydraulic fluid in series to the first chamber and the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch includes a piston, backing plate, spring, and spring retainer. The piston and the backing plate define a balance chamber therebetween. The piston has a protrusion that extends into and defines a pocket in the chamber. The spring is disposed within the pocket and is configured to disengage the piston from a clutch pack. The spring retainer is disposed between the spring and the backing plate. The retainer extends from the backing plate and into the chamber beyond an end of the protrusion.