Clutch Assembly Integrated Surface Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dry clutch assemblies in gas turbine engines generate excessive heat during engagement, which can reduce their functionality and service life due to the lack of lubricating fluid, necessitating improved heat removal methods.
Innovation Solution
A dry clutch assembly with integrated surface cooling, featuring a housing with internal surface features like fins and a channel that utilizes both air and oil as heat transfer mediums to dissipate heat effectively, enhancing heat transfer through convection and conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a dry clutch assembly is used to reduce weight, then the weight of the clutch assembly is reduced, but excessive heat is generated during engagement which reduces functionality and service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling channel dimension within the clutch disc structure, transforming the single-dimensional weight reduction approach into a multi-dimensional solution that incorporates internal cooling passages to remove heat while maintaining the dry clutch's weight advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling fluid as an intermediary substance that absorbs and removes heat from the clutch disc during engagement, mediating between the friction-generated heat and the clutch disc to prevent excessive temperature rise
2Weight of moving object
If a dry clutch assembly is used to reduce weight, then the weight of the clutch assembly is reduced, but the service life of the clutch assembly is reduced due to heat damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cooling channels and fluid delivery systems in advance within the clutch disc structure, preparing the heat removal capability before engagement occurs, so that heat is continuously managed throughout the clutch's operational life rather than addressing overheating after damage occurs
3Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used, then some heat removal is achieved, but the heat removal capacity is insufficient to handle the excessive heat generated during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling approach by introducing multiple cooling channels within the clutch disc and using both air and liquid cooling media, dividing the heat removal task into multiple pathways that collectively provide sufficient cooling capacity to maintain reliability during engagement
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 integrated surface cooling system effectively increases the heat removal capacity from the clutch discs and housing, thereby enhancing the service life and reducing repair needs of the clutch assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The channel may be configured to transfer heat from the housing to the first heat transfer medium, thereby transferring heat away from the housing
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of surface features may be configured to transfer heat from second heat transfer medium to the housing, thereby transferring heat away from the plurality of clutch discs
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly may comprise a plurality of clutch discs and a housing configured to receive the plurality of clutch discs. The housing may include an outer wall and an inner wall defining a channel therebetween. The outer wall may have an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid connection with the channel. The channel may be configured to pass a first heat transfer medium between the inlet port and outlet port. The housing may include a plurality of surface features extending inwards from the inner wall and toward the plurality of clutch discs. The plurality of surface features is configured to transfer heat from second heat transfer medium to the housing, thereby transferring heat away from the plurality of clutch discs. The channel may be configured to transfer heat from the housing to the first heat transfer medium, thereby transferring heat away from the housing.