Multi-Plate Clutch Spring Ring with Integrated Z-Shaped Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring elements in hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutches for motor vehicle drive trains are inefficient in providing a linear and reproducible spring characteristic, require multiple components, and occupy excessive space, hindering quick and reliable control of torque transmission and dynamic driving behavior.
Innovation Solution
A support ring with a Z-shaped cross section, featuring notched spring elements and angled legs, serves as both an expanding element and a bearing disk, allowing for a compact design with reduced components and precise actuation force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple separate spring elements are used to provide opening force, then the spring characteristic can be adjusted, but the number of components increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate spring elements are merged into a single support ring with integrated spring fingers. The support ring combines the function of multiple individual springs into one unified component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the necessary opening force and spring characteristic.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the opening force through its spring fingers, acts as a structural support element, and replaces the need for separate spring components. This multi-functionality reduces component count while achieving the required mechanical performance.
2Reliability
If separate spring elements and bearing disks are used, then the functions are clearly separated, but the axial space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring merges the bearing disk function and spring element function into a single integrated component. The spring fingers are directly formed on the support ring, eliminating the need for separate spring components and reducing axial space while maintaining clear functional separation through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring performs multiple functions within a single component: it provides bearing surfaces for the clutch plates, generates opening force through spring fingers, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the axial space required while preserving functional clarity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional spring elements are used, then the clutch can be opened, but the spring characteristic is difficult to produce linearly and reproducibly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring characteristic is optimized by changing the geometry parameters of the spring fingers on the support ring. By carefully designing the finger dimensions, material properties, and mounting configuration, a linear and reproducible spring characteristic is achieved that ensures reliable clutch opening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring is segmented into multiple spring fingers distributed around its circumference. This segmentation allows the total opening force to be distributed evenly while each finger contributes to a consistent, reproducible spring characteristic that is easier to manufacture and control.
4Volume of moving object
If more components are installed to achieve compact design, then space is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are merged into the single integrated support ring structure. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while achieving the required compact axial space.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles within the clutch assembly. This universality reduces the overall component count, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining the compact design required for space reduction.
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 enables a compact, cost-effective, and reproducibly linear spring characteristic, facilitating quick and reliable clutch operation while minimizing component count and space usage, thus enhancing the control of torque transmission and dynamic driving behavior.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements (for spring elements see GB-753732) which, when opening the clutch, push back a hydraulically operated pressure piston
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring ring formed by a support ring (7), which is used as a spreading element for a multi-plate clutch. The spring elements (9) are formed by cutouts in a leg (11) of the support ring (7).