Torque Clutch Strap Spring Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic transmission clutch assemblies with spline connections have limited horizontal displacement, leading to friction-induced heat and wear, which affects fuel economy and clutch performance.
Innovation Solution
A torque transferring transmission-drive system utilizing strap springs that elastically compress to engage friction surfaces in a clutch engaged condition and expand to create clearance in a disengaged condition, allowing greater horizontal movement and reducing friction between friction surfaces and reaction plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spline connections are used to couple reaction plates and friction plates, then the clutch assembly can be assembled and function, but the horizontal displacement is limited causing friction-induced heat and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spline connections from the clutch assembly design. By extracting this constraint element, the reaction plate is freed from the limited horizontal displacement imposed by splines, allowing it to move horizontally without restriction while maintaining clutch functionality through alternative coupling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic clearance mechanism that allows the reaction plate to move horizontally dynamically. The design enables the reaction plate to shift position relative to the friction plates, creating variable clearance that reduces friction and heat generation during operation while maintaining engagement when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spline connections are used to couple reaction plates and friction plates, then the clutch assembly structure is stable, but sufficient clearance cannot be maintained between friction surfaces and reaction plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spline connections that constrain horizontal movement. This extraction allows the reaction plate to achieve greater horizontal clearance while the overall clutch assembly maintains structural stability through alternative design features such as proper positioning mechanisms and engagement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the clearance issue by introducing horizontal displacement freedom in the horizontal dimension. By removing the spline constraint, the reaction plate can move horizontally to establish adequate clearance, while vertical engagement stability is maintained through the clutch plate stacking and hydraulic pressure application.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If clearance is maintained between friction surfaces and reaction plates, then friction-induced heat and wear are reduced, but the clutch assembly requires greater horizontal displacement space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spline connections that limit horizontal displacement. By eliminating this constraint, the clutch assembly can achieve the necessary horizontal clearance to reduce friction and heat while the overall volume increase is minimized through optimized plate dimensions and arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clearance parameter by allowing horizontal displacement of the reaction plate. This parameter change enables sufficient clearance to be established between friction surfaces and the reaction plate, reducing friction-induced heat and wear while accommodating the increased space requirement through design optimization.
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 clutch assembly performance by minimizing friction and heat, improving fuel economy, and extending the operational life of the clutch by providing increased clearance and flexibility in the torque converter housing.
Implementation Method 1
At least one strap spring in a clutch engaged condition elastically compresses allowing the reaction plate to be frictionally engaged between the first friction surface and the second friction surface
Implementation Method 2
in a clutch disengaged condition the at least one strap spring elastically expands creating a clearance between the reaction plate and each of the first friction surface and the second friction surface
Implementation Method 3
allowing the reaction plate to be frictionally engaged between the first friction surface and the second friction surface
Data Source
AI summary
A torque transferring transmission-drive system includes a first friction surface. A second friction surface is directed toward the first friction surface. A reaction plate is positioned between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. A piston is actuated by a fluid pressure to displace the first friction surface toward the second friction surface, frictionally engaging the reaction plate between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. At least one strap spring in a clutch engaged condition elastically compresses to allow the reaction plate to be frictionally engaged between the first friction surface and the second friction surface, and in a clutch disengaged condition the at least one strap spring elastically expands to create a clearance between the reaction plate and each of the first friction surface and the second friction surface.