Clutch Support Duct Layout for Compact Lubrication Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clutch mechanisms face challenges in assembly due to limited space and difficulty in lubrication, leading to inefficiencies in the transmission system of motor vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A clutch support with a duct system that facilitates the circulation of hydraulic fluid to improve lubrication and cooling of the clutches, while also enhancing the assembly and disassembly process through a fixing organ configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the clutch mechanisms are assembled with traditional fastening methods, then the clutches can be securely mounted, but the assembly and disassembly processes become time-consuming and difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch support is divided into modular components including the clutch carrier, fixing member, and duct system that can be assembled and disassembled independently. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and reduces assembly time while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing member incorporates dynamic fastening mechanisms that enable quick assembly and disassembly operations. The duct system is designed to be reconfigurable, allowing lubrication pathways to be adjusted or accessed easily during maintenance without requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If lubricating oil is introduced into the clutch mechanism, then the clutches are lubricated, but the oil may leak out through openings instead of reaching the clutch friction surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidoil leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated duct system acts as an intermediary pathway between the lubrication source and the clutch friction surfaces. This duct includes specifically positioned outlet orifices that direct lubricating oil onto the clutch friction surfaces, preventing oil leakage through other openings while ensuring proper lubrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The duct system provides localized lubrication delivery by positioning outlet orifices at specific locations where lubrication is most needed on the clutch friction surfaces. This targeted approach ensures oil reaches the correct areas without leaking through unnecessary openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If the clutch mechanism dimensions are reduced to save space, then the transmission system becomes more compact, but the space available for assembly and mounting is further reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch mechanism sizeVSAvoidassembly space availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The duct system is integrated within the clutch support structure itself, with the duct pathway nested within the clutch carrier. This nesting arrangement allows the lubrication system to be incorporated without increasing the overall dimensions of the clutch mechanism, maintaining compactness while enabling proper lubrication delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch support and duct system are merged into a single integrated component structure. The clutch carrier simultaneously provides mechanical support and houses the lubrication duct, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces and reducing overall assembly complexity despite compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 proposed solution improves the lubrication and cooling of the clutches, making the assembly and disassembly processes more efficient and facilitating the maintenance of the transmission system.

Implementation Method 1

a duct (700) allowing a hydraulic fluid to circulate from an actuation system (300) to the clutches (100, 200)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid circulation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3580469B1Clutch support
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP3580469B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3580469B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2B
  • EP3580469B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3A

AI summary

The invention relates to a clutch support (500) arranged to support at least a first clutch, said support defining a conduit (700) having at least one outlet hole (725) through which a hydraulic fluid can flow from an actuation system (300) to the at least one clutch and comprising at least a radial extension part (720) and/or an annular part (750).