Transmission Clutch Spring Retainer Assembly for Ring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring assemblies in automatic transmissions lack a structure to securely hold the snap ring, leading to potential loss and improper rotation, which can cause the clutch to fail to disengage due to insufficient spring biasing force.
Innovation Solution
A spring retainer assembly with upper and lower rings bolted together, featuring recesses to hold springs in place and secured by shoulder bolts, preventing rotation while allowing axial movement, ensuring proper alignment and spring retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the snap ring is retained only by the upper ring without additional structures, then the assembly is simpler, but the snap ring may pop out leading to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the snap ring retention function with the upper ring structure by integrating a retention groove directly into the upper ring. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate retention structures while ensuring reliable snap ring retention, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention groove acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the snap ring and the upper ring. It provides a dedicated pathway for the snap ring to engage with the upper ring, ensuring reliable retention without adding complex external structures, thus balancing simplicity and reliability.
2Device complexity
If the upper ring has no tabs to prevent rotation, then the structure is simpler, but the springs may roll over causing clutch disengagement failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding tabs only at specific locations on the upper ring where spring engagement is needed, rather than making the entire ring complex. These localized tabs prevent spring roll-over while maintaining overall structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs on the upper ring perform preliminary action by pre-positioning and constraining the springs in their correct orientation before the clutch operation begins. This prevents spring roll-over during operation, ensuring reliable clutch disengagement without requiring complex continuous monitoring or adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the rings are not bolted together, then the assembly is simpler, but the rings may rotate relative to each other causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection function by using multiple bolts distributed around the circumference of the rings. This segmentation provides multiple connection points that collectively prevent rotation and maintain alignment, while each individual bolt remains simple in structure, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the alignment problem by adding connection in a different dimension - using bolts that extend through both rings in the axial direction. This dimensional approach constrains the rings relative to each other, preventing rotation and maintaining alignment without requiring complex in-plane connection structures.
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 solution ensures the clutch returns reliably to a disengaged state by maintaining spring alignment and preventing rotation, enhancing clutch performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A spring retainer assembly is provided for the clutch of an automatic transmission to bias the clutch to a released state or condition whereby the clutch is disengaged
Implementation Method 2
The rings are secured together with fasteners, such as shoulder bolts, which allow the lower or bottom ring to move axially toward and away from the stationary upper or top ring
Data Source
AI summary
A spring assembly for the clutch of an automatic transmission includes a plurality of springs residing between upper and lower retaining rings which are secured together with a plurality of fasteners. The spring assembly is compressed against the force of the springs when the clutch piston is applied to engage the clutch, and then expanded when the clutch piston is released to disengage the clutch. The fasteners of the spring assembly eliminate radial movement of the rings relative to one another and control the axial movement of either of the upper and lower spring retaining rings.