Multi-Disc Clutch Torque Limiter Locking for Smooth Starts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple-disc friction clutches with back torque limiter mechanisms face issues where stress concentrates on parts during low-rotation or stopped conditions, leading to potential damage under high acceleration or deceleration, particularly during engine braking and starting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-disc friction clutch design incorporating a torque limiter-disabling mechanism that prevents relative rotation between clutch centers when power is transmitted from the first clutch center to the second in an acceleration direction, using a locking pin and elastic members to manage stress and prevent torque limiter operation during low-rotation conditions, allowing smooth starts and reduced clutch capacity during deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a back torque limiter mechanism is provided to reduce clutch torque during engine braking, then the load on the rear wheel is reduced, but the torque limiter undesirably operates during engine start, preventing smooth starting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the torque limiter mechanism conditionally active or inactive based on rotational speed. The mechanism dynamically adjusts its state: active during engine braking (high rotation) to reduce rear wheel load, and inactive during engine start (low or zero rotation) to allow smooth starting. This is achieved through the rotational speed-dependent operation of the cam mechanism and steel ball locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the torque limiter from a fixed state to a variable state based on rotational speed. By monitoring the rotation speed of the clutch output shaft, the system transitions between limiting and non-limiting modes, allowing the same mechanism to serve different functions under different operating conditions without requiring separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If the torque limiter-releasing mechanism locks the first hub body and second hub body during low-rotation range, then push-start and kick-start can be performed smoothly, but stress concentrates on the locking parts during high acceleration, requiring high-strength components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using an elastic member (spring) to absorb and cushion the stress that occurs when the steel ball locks the first hub body and second hub body during high acceleration. The elastic member deforms under load, preventing stress concentration on the locking parts and surrounding structures, thereby reducing the strength requirements of these components while maintaining the torque limiter-releasing function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steel ball locks to both hub bodies to disable relative rotation, then the torque limiter is released for low-speed operation, but stress concentrates on the locking parts under great acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary between the steel ball locking mechanism and the hub bodies. This intermediary absorbs and distributes the stress generated during high acceleration, preventing direct stress concentration on the locking parts. The elastic member acts as a buffer that mediates the force transmission while maintaining the locking function's adaptability for low-speed operations.
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 design prevents stress concentration on torque limiter mechanism parts, enabling smooth engine starts and reduced clutch capacity during high deceleration, thus enhancing durability and operational reliability without requiring high-strength components.
Implementation Method 1
the steel ball can be moved against an elastic force of a coil spring by a centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
the steel ball can be moved against an elastic force of a coil spring by a centrifugal force
Implementation Method 3
When a rotation speed of the first hub body exceeds that of the second hub body, the cam mechanism operates by relative rotation between the first hub body and the second hub body, and it axially moves the second hub body to push a pressure plate
Implementation Method 4
a clutching part that includes a plurality of plates for transmitting and shutting off torque
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-disc friction clutch has a clutch center including a first and second clutch centers. The first clutch center is axially supported by a main shaft in a relatively non-rotatable manner. The second clutch center is supported by the first clutch center in a relatively rotatable manner and holds a clutching part between a pressure plate and the second clutch center. The first and second clutch centers have a torque limiter mechanism and a torque limiter-disabling mechanism therebetween. The torque limiter mechanism transmits power between the first and second clutch centers and reduces clutch torque by acting on the pressure plate due to relative rotation between the first and second clutch centers. The torque limiter-disabling mechanism inhibits operation of a torque limiter of the torque limiter mechanism by preventing the relative rotation when power is transmitted from the first clutch center to the second clutch center in an acceleration direction.