Dual Clutch Arrangement for Hybrid Drive Trains

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual clutch transmission systems face challenges in hybridization and cost efficiency, requiring complex triple clutch arrangements and recalculations in design and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A dual clutch arrangement is designed with a first clutch as a separating clutch and a second clutch as a launch clutch, where the output of the first clutch is connected to the input of the second clutch, forming a preassembled module that minimizes design and manufacturing costs by maintaining the existing dual clutch module structure with minimal modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a triple clutch arrangement is used for hybridization, then the drive train can be hybridized, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehybridization capabilityVSAvoidclutch arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first clutch is designed to serve dual functions: acting as a separating clutch to disconnect the internal combustion engine from the drive train, and simultaneously serving as a launch clutch for the second sub-transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a third separate clutch, reducing device complexity while maintaining hybridization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of the separating clutch and the launch clutch for the second sub-transmission are merged into a single clutch unit (the first clutch). This consolidation reduces the total number of clutch components from three to two, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a triple clutch arrangement is used for hybridization, then the drive train can be hybridized, but the design and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehybridization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first clutch is designed to serve dual functions: acting as a separating clutch to disconnect the internal combustion engine from the drive train, and simultaneously serving as a launch clutch for the second sub-transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a third separate clutch, reducing device complexity while maintaining hybridization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of the separating clutch and the launch clutch for the second sub-transmission are merged into a single clutch unit (the first clutch). This consolidation reduces the total number of clutch components from three to two, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 hybridization of the drive train while reducing design and manufacturing costs by maintaining the existing dual clutch module structure, avoiding the need for recalculations in space, manufacturing processes, and superstructures, and enabling efficient torque transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the clutches are designed as a friction clutch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11364785B2Dual-clutch transmission arrangement, and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

AI summary

A dual clutch arrangement for a dual clutch transmission includes a first clutch and a second clutch. The output of the first clutch is connected to the input of the second clutch. A dual clutch transmission arrangement with the dual clutch arrangement and a motor vehicle with the dual clutch arrangement are also provided.