Friction Clutch Operating Point Adjustment via Thread Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current friction clutches face challenges in maintaining a consistent operating point due to varying thread tolerances and deformation of internal threads, leading to fluctuations in screwing forces and potential loosening of the riveting sleeve connection, making it difficult to adjust the operating point reliably.
Innovation Solution
A friction clutch with an adjustment device that uses a deformable adjusting screw with a thread, where the thread is partially destroyed after setting the operating point to prevent further screwing, eliminating the need for a plastic coating and ensuring the operating point remains constant, and incorporating a ramp ring and spindle system for precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic layer is applied on the external thread of the grub screw to prevent unscrewing, then the operating point can be kept constant, but the thread tolerances and deformation lead to strong fluctuations in screwing forces and interruption of screwing in
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element is divided into a functional thread portion and a deformed locking portion. The thread is partially destroyed at a specific location to create a mechanical stop that prevents further screwing while maintaining the screwing-in process for adjustment purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread of the adjusting element is preliminarily deformed during manufacturing or assembly to create a mechanical lock. This preliminary deformation prevents unscrewing while allowing the adjustment process to proceed normally until the deformed section engages.
2Extent of automation
If torque-controlled screwing in is used to adjust the operating point, then automation is possible, but the deformation of internal thread and increase in torque cause the riveting sleeve to rotate and the connection to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the riveting sleeve connection and transferred to the adjusting element itself through partial thread destruction. This separates the adjustment function (screwing in) from the locking function (preventing unscrewing), allowing automated torque control without compromising the riveting sleeve connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformed thread portion acts as an intermediary mechanical lock between the adjusting element and the receiving component. This intermediate locking mechanism prevents unscrewing while allowing the riveting sleeve to remain stationary during automated adjustment.
3Reliability
If the grub screw is screwed into the rivet sleeve with a plastic layer for screw lock, then the operating point can be maintained, but the layer thickness cannot be applied as required due to thread tolerance scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic layer is replaced by a permanent deformation of the metal thread itself. The deformed thread portion serves as a disposable mechanical lock that is integral to the adjusting element, eliminating the need for separate plastic coatings and their associated tolerance issues.
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 solution allows for simple and reliable adjustment of the friction clutch's operating point by eliminating the need for a plastic coating and preventing unintended screwing or unscrewing, thereby maintaining a consistent torque and preventing the riveting sleeve from rotating, thus ensuring a stable and accurate setting of the operating point.
Implementation Method 1
the securing being effected by deformation of the adjusting element itself
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a friction clutch for coupling a driveshaft of a motor vehicle engine to at least one transmission input shaft of a motor vehicle transmission, comprising a counter plate (14); a pressure plate (18) which can be moved axially relative to the counter plate (14) for pressing a clutch disc (24) between the counter plate (14) and the pressure plate (18) in a frictionally engaged manner; an adjusting device (26) for adjusting a wear-induced faulty spacing between the pressure plate (18) and the counter plate (14), said adjusting device (26) having a drive spring (40) for ascertaining the wear-induced faulty spacing between the pressure plate (18) and the counter plate (14); an adjusting element (44) for adjusting the operating point of the friction clutch (10); and a safeguard for constantly maintaining the friction clutch (10) operating point set by the adjusting element (44). The safeguard is produced by a deformation of the adjusting element (44). The invention further relates to a method for adjusting the operating point of the friction clutch in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein an adjusting element (44) for adjusting the operating point of the friction clutch (10) is adjusted, and the adjusting element (44) is deformed after being adjusted in order to constantly maintain the adjusted operating point of the friction clutch (10).