Compact Triple Clutch Assembly With Common Support Body
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch arrangements for hybrid drive units in motor vehicles are bulky due to their complex component structure, requiring significant installation space.
Innovation Solution
A compact clutch arrangement featuring a triple clutch design with a common support body and disk carrier, which integrates a double clutch and a separating clutch, utilizing a disk carrier with external and internal toothing for efficient torque transmission and axial load support, and an S-shaped support body for reliable actuation force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a triple clutch design with multiple separate components is used, then the coupling arrangement can provide complete coupling functionality (first coupling, second coupling, third coupling), but the installation space and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate clutch components (first coupling, second coupling, third coupling) into a single integrated clutch assembly. The support body integrates multiple clutch plates, pressure pots, and actuation mechanisms that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining complete coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for all three couplings, acts as a mounting platform for pressure pots, serves as a torque transmission element, and integrates actuation mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity and installation space.
2Reliability
If separate support structures are used for each coupling, then each coupling can be independently supported, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single integrated support body to replace multiple separate support structures. This support body simultaneously supports all three couplings (first, second, and third coupling) and integrates mounting features for pressure pots and actuation mechanisms, reducing the number of components while maintaining reliable support for each coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
While using a single integrated support body, the patent segments the clutch assembly into distinct functional zones: the support body structure, the clutch plate stacks, the pressure pot chambers, and the actuation mechanisms. This segmentation within integration allows each coupling to be independently supported and actuated while sharing common structural elements.
3Ease of operation
If traditional clutch actuation mechanisms are used for each coupling, then each coupling can be independently actuated, but the installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple actuation mechanisms into a compact arrangement where pressure pots for different couplings are positioned adjacently on the support body. The actuation mechanisms share common mounting features and spatial arrangement, allowing independent actuation of each coupling while minimizing the overall space required for all actuation systems.
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 compact design reduces the number of components and installation space, while maintaining reliable torque transmission and actuation force support, leading to a cost-effective and space-efficient clutch solution.
Implementation Method 1
frictionally engage a friction lining between the pressure plate, which is axially displaced by the pressure pot, and a counter plate that is fixed in the axial direction, thus engaging the friction clutch and establishing a torque flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a clutch assembly (10) for the powertrain of a motor vehicle, said clutch assembly (10) having: a housing (12), a support body (14) which is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis (D) relative to the housing (12), an input shaft (16) which is rotatably mounted about the rotational axis (D) relative to the housing (2), a first clutch (18), a second clutch (24), and preferably a third clutch (30). A common support body (36) is arranged on the first clutch (18) and on the second clutch (18), wherein the two clutches (18, 24) are arranged on a plate carrier (42). Thus, actuation forces are supported via the common support body (36) on the plate carrier (42). In this manner, fewer parts are required and the installation space and costs are reduced.