Compressor Clutch Pot-Shaped Receptacle Modular Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressor designs require complex and costly structural adaptations to accommodate a shut-off clutch, leading to increased production expenses and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A modular concept with a pot-shaped receiving element that can be used as a separate component, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of the compressor and clutch device, utilizing a corrugated locking ring for secure and play-free mounting, and a collar nut for space-saving clutch attachment on the crankshaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the compressor is structurally adapted to the clutch device to form a unit, then the clutch device can be integrated into the compressor, but the production facilities require expensive and complex changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of clutch deviceVSAvoidproduction facility adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch device is separated from the compressor as an independent module that can be mounted onto the compressor housing. The compressor housing includes a mounting region with external threading that accepts the clutch device, allowing the clutch to be installed as a separate component rather than requiring integrated structural modifications to the compressor itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor housing is designed with a universal mounting region that can accommodate different clutch devices through standardized external threading. This allows the same compressor housing to be used with various clutch configurations without requiring specific structural adaptations for each clutch type, enabling multi-functionality across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If the compressor always driven along by the drive engine to save energy when no compressed air generation required, then energy can be saved, but the compressor cannot be separated from the drive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy savingVSAvoidseparation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch device enables dynamic connection and disconnection between the compressor and the drive engine. The clutch can be engaged to transmit rotational force from the drive engine to the compressor when compressed air generation is needed, and disengaged to separate them when energy saving is prioritized, providing adaptive control over the power transmission state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive engine and the compressor. It mediates the power transmission by selectively engaging or disengaging the connection, allowing the system to switch between coupled operation (for compressed air generation) and separated operation (for energy saving) based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8790093B2Compressor having a clutch device

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 ZF CV SYST EURO BV

AI summary

A compressor for generating compressed air in a vehicle includes a crankshaft and an interface area for fastening a clutch device by means of which the crankshaft of the compressor can be connected to or disconnected from a drive device. The interface area is configured to receive a crucible-shaped receptacle element. The crucible-shaped receptacle element can be a cylinder for receiving a piston that can be acted on by a pressure medium for actuating the clutch device.