Clutch Device Tab Sections for Rigidity and Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch devices for motor vehicle drive trains face challenges in achieving sufficient rigidity while maintaining low manufacturing costs, and they often deform during assembly, shifting the operating point and requiring complex compensation in workshops.
Innovation Solution
A clutch device with a counter-pressure plate and pressure plate that utilize tab sections and a cover component connected via a lever element, allowing for cost-effective production and assembly, with the lever elements being tiltable and actuated to engage or disengage the clutch, and featuring a ring-shaped spring section for prestressing and centering, enabling torque transmission and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional coupling device is manufactured with separate components, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-pressure plate is designed with integrally formed tab sections that are directly connected to the cover component, eliminating the need for separate fastening parts and reducing assembly steps. This merging of components maintains manufacturing flexibility while reducing both cost and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab sections serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between the counter-pressure plate and cover component, ensure precise alignment, and contribute to the overall rigidity of the coupling device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling device is designed with high rigidity, then operational stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integral design of the counter-pressure plate with tab sections creates a rigid structure without requiring additional reinforcing components. The unified construction eliminates weak points at connection interfaces while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing through single-piece forming where possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab sections are designed with optimized curved geometries that distribute stress evenly and enhance structural rigidity. The axial extension and positioning of these tab sections create inherent stiffness in the coupling device without adding material cost.
3Reliability
If the coupling device is assembled with counterforce, then proper engagement is achieved, but deformation of the coupling cover occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The integral tab sections create a unified structure between the counter-pressure plate and cover component, distributing assembly forces evenly across multiple connection points. This prevents localized deformation of the cover while ensuring reliable engagement through the distributed fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab sections are pre-formed during the manufacturing process with built-in alignment features and positioning capabilities. This preliminary structuring ensures that during assembly, the components engage correctly without requiring excessive counterforce that could cause cover deformation.
4Ease of repair
If the coupling device is designed for easy repair, then workshop installation is simplified, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into modular components (counter-pressure plate with tab sections, cover component, coupling disc) that can be independently removed and replaced in workshops. The tab sections provide standardized connection interfaces that simplify repair while maintaining structural integrity through their integral design.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, rigid, and compact clutch device suitable for repair work, ensuring uniform engagement and disengagement behavior, reducing manufacturing costs, and allowing for easy assembly and torque transmission, while maintaining stability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
for frictionally clamping a coupling disc (26) between the counter-pressure plate (2) and the pressure plate (7)
Implementation Method 2
featuring a ring-shaped spring section for prestressing and centering
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clutch device having a counterpressure plate and a pressure plate, which pressure plate can be displaced to a limited extent in an axial direction of said clutch device by at least one lever element, for clamping a clutch disc between said counterpressure plate and said pressure plate in a frictionally locked manner, the counterpressure plate having at least one lug section which extends in an axial direction and with which a cover component is connected.