Clutch Support Plate Rib Segmentation for Axial Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch devices face challenges in enhancing the strength of support members with cam mechanisms without increasing the weight or manufacturing cost, leading to potential stress issues due to axial forces.
Innovation Solution
The clutch device incorporates a support member with protruding portions that distribute forces across both the first and second rotors, allowing for a thinner, lighter design while maintaining strength through strategically placed cam mechanisms, and utilizing an assist and slipper cam mechanism to control pressing forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support plate is enhanced in stiffness against axial force by increasing thickness and/or using high strength material, then the strength and stiffness are improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into a plate body portion and multiple rib portions that protrude in the axial direction. The rib portions are strategically positioned to provide localized stiffness and strength support where axial forces are applied, while the plate body portion maintains a thinner profile. This segmentation allows the support plate to achieve required stiffness without increasing overall thickness or material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib portions are positioned at specific locations on the support plate where axial forces from the cam mechanism are applied. These rib portions provide localized reinforcement and stiffness exactly where needed, rather than uniformly thickening the entire plate. This local quality approach ensures strength enhancement at critical stress points while minimizing weight increase.
2Strength
If the support plate is made thicker to withstand axial forces, then the strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate structure is segmented into a thin plate body with protruding rib portions. This segmentation allows the majority of the plate to remain thin and easy to manufacture, while the rib portions provide necessary strength. The rib portions can be formed through standard molding or machining processes without requiring expensive high-strength materials or complex manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing a uniformly thick support plate which would require more material and processing, the rib portions provide localized strength enhancement only where axial forces are applied. This reduces overall material consumption and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the required strength-to-cost ratio.
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 configuration enhances the strength of the clutch device without increasing weight or manufacturing costs, effectively managing forces and facilitating easier machining, while ensuring reliable power transmission and reduced stress concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
The cam part controls a pressing force applied to the clutch part in transmission of the power
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of second protruding portions that protrude to a second side in an axial direction and are fixed to the plurality of first protruding portions
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed clutch device includes a clutch housing, a clutch center, a pressure plate, a clutch part, a support plate and a cam mechanism. The clutch center includes a plurality of first protruding portions protruding to a first side in an axial direction. The clutch part allows and blocks transmission of a power from the clutch housing to an output side. The support plate is disposed in opposition to the clutch center in the axial direction, and includes a plurality of second protruding portions that protrude to a second side in the axial direction and are fixed to the plurality of first protruding portions. The cam mechanism is provided on an axially second-side lateral surface of the support plate, and controls a pressing force applied to the clutch part in transmission of the power.