Deflected Spline Clutch Plate Separation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional friction clutch assemblies require separate springs for separating input and output clutch plates, increasing assembly complexity and time, and introducing additional components that can lead to drag and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The friction clutch assembly incorporates a spline with a deflected portion integrally formed on the clutch member, which is curved toward a distal tip, providing a built-in biasing mechanism to separate the clutch plates without the need for additional springs, allowing for efficient torque transfer and reduced assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate springs are used to separate clutch plates, then the clutch plates can be separated in the disengaged position to reduce drag, but the assembly complexity and time increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The separating feature is merged with the clutch member by integrating the deflected spline directly into the clutch member body. The deflected portion of the spline acts as an built-in separating mechanism that eliminates the need for separate springs, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the drag reduction function
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch member provides its own separating function through the deflected spline that is integrally formed with it. The deflected portion automatically biases adjacent clutch members apart in the disengaged position without requiring external spring components, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall assembly complexity
2Ease of operation
If separate springs are installed within the clutch pack, then clutch plate separation is facilitated, but assembly time increases due to additional installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The separating function is combined with the clutch member structure itself through the integrally formed deflected spline. This eliminates the need for separate spring installation steps, reducing assembly time while maintaining effective clutch plate separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deflected spline is pre-formed as part of the clutch member manufacturing process. The separating feature is built-in before assembly, eliminating the need for separate spring installation during clutch pack assembly, thereby reducing assembly time
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate spring components are used, then clutch plate separation is achieved, but the number of components increases leading to more potential sources of drag and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separating functions are merged into a single clutch member through the deflected spline design. The deflected portion of the spline replaces multiple separate spring components, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the separation function
Solution Approach 2:
The deflected spline serves multiple functions: it provides structural support as part of the clutch member, acts as a torque transfer element through the spline engagement, and simultaneously provides the separating function by biasing adjacent clutch members apart. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spring components
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 solution reduces assembly complexity and drag by using the deflected splines to bias the clutch members apart, facilitating efficient torque transfer and disengagement, while eliminating the need for separate springs, thus enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the clutch assembly.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the splines comprises a deflected spline having a deflected portion that is integrally formed with the annular body and curved in a circumferential direction toward a distal tip
Data Source
AI summary
A friction clutch assembly that selectively engages an input member and an output member to allow selective transfer of torque therebetween is provided. A clutch pack includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member. One of the first clutch member or the second clutch member is operatively coupled to the input member. The other of the first and second clutch members is operatively coupled to the output member. The first clutch member comprises an annular body that has a circumferential outer surface including a plurality of splines extending outwardly from the annular body. At least one of the splines has a deflected portion that is integrally formed with the annular body and curved in a circumferential direction toward a distal tip.