Clutch Axial Stop Ring Retention via Disc Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-disc clutch mechanisms face issues with axial stop rings expanding and escaping at high rotational speeds, leading to potential clutch failure, particularly due to the design requiring large dimensions and material thickness for effective stopping.
Innovation Solution
A clutch design incorporating a retaining member that is fixed relative to the end disc, with the axial stop ring housed within a groove of the disc carrier and retained by a member that fills the space between the stop ring and the disc's housing, preventing expansion and escape during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an open-shaped stop ring is used to stop axial displacement of plates, then the axial displacement can be restrained, but the stop ring expands and escapes from its groove at high rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is inserted into a groove of the end disc, and the stop ring is nested within the retaining member. This nested structure prevents the stop ring from expanding outward and escaping at high rotational speeds, while maintaining the ability to stop axial displacement of plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member acts as an intermediary between the stop ring and the end disc. It provides a stable housing that constrains the stop ring, preventing its expansion and escape while allowing the stop ring to perform its axial stopping function.
2Device complexity
If the actuating axis of the mobile piston is directed towards the input disc carrier, then reaction means can be integrated into the input disc carrier, but the axial displacement requires large dimensions and material thickness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing axial thickness to provide reaction means, the solution moves to another dimension by using a groove in the end disc to house the retaining member. This radial/dimensional approach allows compact axial design while providing the necessary reaction means for stopping axial displacement.
3Ease of operation
If the stop ring is housed in a groove of the disc carrier, then axial stopping is achieved, but the stop ring cannot be retained against expansion at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented into two parts: the groove in the end disc provides axial stopping, while the separate retaining member provides high-speed expansion restraint. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Data Source
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AI summary
Multi-disc type clutch (E1), comprising: - a clutch disc carrier (13), - a first group of discs (10a, 10b) supported in part by the clutch disc carrier (13) and comprising an end disc (10), - a first axial retaining ring (15) inserted in part into a first groove (135) formed in the clutch disc carrier (13) (E1), and - a retaining member (60) of the first axial retaining ring (15), the end disc (10) comprising a housing (115, 115') within which is housed a part of the retaining member (60), the retaining member (60) being located in part between the first axial retaining ring (15) and the annular housing (115, 115') of the end disc (10).