Clutch Unit with Integrated Torsional Vibration Damper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clutch units for vehicle powertrains require large installation space and high costs to reduce rotational irregularities, and wet-running friction-based clutches experience high losses, while dry-running clutches struggle with controllability.

Innovation Solution

A clutch unit with two partial clutches, one as a positive-fit clutch and the other as a friction clutch, integrated with a torsional vibration damper to reduce installation space and losses, and improve controllability, allowing for efficient torque transmission and engine starting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a torsional vibration damper is integrated into the clutch unit, then rotational irregularities are reduced, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational irregularities reductionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the torsional vibration damper with the clutch unit by making the vibration damper at least one of the friction elements or having it integrated with the clutch housing. This merging of functions allows the vibration damping capability to be achieved without adding separate components that would increase installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction elements serve dual purposes: they provide the necessary friction for torque transmission during clutch engagement while simultaneously functioning as vibration dampers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vibration damping components, thereby reducing installation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If wet-running friction-based clutches are used, then torque transmission is smooth, but energy losses due to drag torques increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmission smoothnessVSAvoiddrag torque losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs friction elements with specifically optimized friction coefficients and material properties that enable effective torque transmission with reduced frictional losses. By carefully selecting and tuning the friction parameters, the clutch achieves smooth torque transmission while minimizing energy losses to drag torques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If dry-running friction-based clutches are used, then energy losses are reduced, but installation space requirements and controllability issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction lossesVSAvoidcontrollability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controlled friction mechanism as an intermediary between the driving and driven components. This friction-based intermediate stage provides smooth torque transfer and improved controllability during engagement, while the overall dry-running design maintains low energy losses. The friction elements act as a mediator that enables precise control without the downsides of wet-running clutches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces clutch losses, installation space, and costs, while enhancing controllability and cost structure by allocating functions between the partial clutches, achieving efficient torque transmission and rotational irregularity reduction.

Implementation Method 1

a torsional vibration damper with two masses damped with respect to each other to reduce rotational irregularities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsional vibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the clutch has two partial clutches by means of which the torque input component and the torque output component can be connected so as to transmit a torque, one of the two partial clutches being configured as a positive-fit clutch and the other of the two partial clutches being configured as a friction clutch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11248663B2Clutch unit with torsional vibration damper as a clutch support, and hybrid module comprising clutch unit

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A clutch unit for a powertrain of a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising a torque input component acting as a drive element and a torque output component acting as an output element, which can be connected to transmit a torque to the torque input component through a clutch which can be switched through friction elements, the clutch having two partial clutches by which the torque input component and the torque output component can be connected so as to transmit a torque, in which one of the two partial clutches is configured as a positive-fit clutch and the other of the two partial clutches is configured as a friction clutch. In addition, the disclosure relates to a hybrid module with a first drive machine the output shaft of which can be connected through such a clutch unit to an output shaft of a second drive machine or a transmission input shaft.