Conical Friction Coupling for High Torque Compact Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-surface friction clutch couplings in motor vehicles face challenges in transmitting high torque due to their large overall volume, which conflicts with the limited installation space in modern engine compartments.
Innovation Solution
The use of conical friction surface pairs, where an external-cone friction surface element is positioned within an internal-cone friction surface element, allowing for a higher torque transmission with a smaller overall volume, and the arrangement of multiple conical pairs to support each other and be actuated or released by axial movement, enabling a 'force-neutral' design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional multi-surface friction clutch couplings are used to transmit high torque, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but the overall volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one conical friction surface element inside another conical friction surface element, creating a nested configuration where the internal-cone element is positioned within the external-cone element. This nested arrangement allows both friction surfaces to contribute to torque transmission while occupying a compact radial space, thereby achieving high torque capability without increasing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar friction surfaces to conical friction surfaces that utilize the axial dimension. By arranging friction surfaces on conical surfaces with specific slope angles, the invention exploits the third dimension (axial direction) to increase the effective friction contact area and leverage mechanical advantage through the cone geometry, enabling higher torque transmission in a compact volume.
2Power
If conventional multi-surface friction clutch couplings are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but the number of friction surfaces required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of internal and external conical friction surface elements allows two friction surfaces to be arranged in a space-efficient manner, eliminating the need for multiple separate friction surface assemblies. This reduces device complexity while maintaining high torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple friction surface functions into a compact nested arrangement where internal and external conical surfaces work together. This combination approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate friction surfaces into an integrated structure, reducing overall device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If conical friction surface pairs are used, then torque transmission with smaller volume is achieved, but the slope angle precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal ranges for cone slope angles (5° to 10°) to balance torque transmission efficiency with manufacturing feasibility. By defining these parameter ranges, the invention achieves the desired volume reduction while maintaining manufacturability and reducing the stringency of precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different slope angles to different conical friction surface elements based on their specific functional requirements. The internal-cone element and external-cone element can have differently optimized slope angles tailored to their respective roles, allowing each surface to be manufactured with appropriate precision levels for its specific function.
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 configuration allows for the transmission of higher torque with reduced axial force and volume, enabling efficient torque control in compact spaces, particularly in air compressor applications.
Implementation Method 1
two conical friction surface pairs, which form a frictional connection when the coupling is in the non-actuated condition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a friction coupling, in particular for use in motor vehicles, e.g. for controlling an air compressor, in which coupling at least two friction surfaces can be brought into frictional connection. According to the invention, two conical friction surface pairs are provided.