Dual-Clutch Inner Plate Carrier Layout to Limit Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clutch arrangements experience deformations in the radially inner region and often have undefined actuation states due to centrifugal forces, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage, especially in multi-plate clutches used in hybridized drive trains.

Innovation Solution

The inner disk carrier is connected to a support element in a torque-proof manner, reversing the clutch setup and eliminating the need for a pressure equalization space in separating clutches, allowing for a compact and simplified design with reduced weight and increased design freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the support element is connected to the outer plate carrier in conventional designs, then the clutch assembly can be supported, but deformations occur in the radially inner area of the coupling arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoiddeformation control

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional clutch assembly configuration by connecting the support element to the inner plate carrier instead of the outer plate carrier. This reversal relocates the support function to the radially inner area, preventing deformations in that critical region while maintaining overall structural support. The inner plate carrier now serves dual purposes: transmitting torque and providing structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If a snap ring is used to connect the support element to the plate carrier, then the assembly is simplified, but a certain degree of rotation occurs between the plate carrier and support element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidrotational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rotational degree of freedom provided by the snap ring connection and replaces it with a rotationally fixed connection between the inner plate carrier and support element. This elimination of the snap ring's rotational play ensures precise angular positioning and eliminates undefined actuation states while maintaining assembly feasibility through alternative connection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the clutch assembly is designed with conventional support elements, then the structure is established, but the design freedom and weight are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural configurationVSAvoidclutch assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function with the inner plate carrier, eliminating the need for separate support elements typically connected to the outer plate carrier. This consolidation reduces the number of components, decreases weight, and increases design freedom by allowing the inner plate carrier to serve both torque transmission and structural support functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3610167B1Clutch arrangement, dual-clutch transmission arrangement and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.04.21 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a clutch arrangement (4) for arrangement between a drive unit (2) and a transmission, comprising at least one multi-plate clutch (K0) having an output plate carrier (12) and a rotational speed-adaptive damper (20), said damper being fastened to the output plate carrier (16). The invention further relates to a dual-clutch transmission arrangement. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.