Dual Clutch Elastic Return Element Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-clutch mechanisms in the automotive field are difficult to assemble, particularly when inserting the elastic return element into the balancing chamber, and they face challenges in fluid circulation, which affects the lubrication and pressure balancing within the actuation systems.
Innovation Solution
The dual-clutch mechanism incorporates a central hub with openings that allow direct fluid communication between the fluid conduits and the balancing chamber, enhancing lubrication and fluid circulation, and utilizes angular indexing means to facilitate the assembly of the elastic return element, ensuring proper alignment and assembly configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the elastic return element is inserted into the balancing chamber in existing dual-clutch mechanisms, then the clutch can function, but the assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming due to the need to avoid obstructing low-pressure conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return element is segmented with multiple openings that align with corresponding openings in the central hub, creating separate fluid circulation paths that avoid obstruction of low-pressure conduits during assembly while maintaining functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The central hub acts as an intermediary component with its own set of openings that mediate between the fluid conduits and the balancing chamber, allowing the elastic return element to be installed without direct obstruction of the conduits
2Ease of operation
If the elastic return element is positioned directly opposite the fluid conduits in the balancing chamber, then assembly may be simplified, but the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return element has different local properties: solid regions for mechanical support and elastic regions with openings for fluid circulation, allowing it to simultaneously facilitate assembly while maintaining proper fluid flow patterns in the balancing chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return element functions as a porous structure with multiple openings that allow hydraulic fluid to pass through, preventing disturbance of fluid flow while maintaining the structural integrity needed for clutch engagement and disengagement
3Reliability
If the cooling fluid circulation is improved through better conduit design, then lubrication is enhanced, but the assembly process becomes more complex due to additional alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The openings in the elastic return element and central hub are arranged in asymmetric patterns that naturally guide alignment during assembly, reducing the complexity of aligning multiple components while ensuring proper fluid circulation paths for optimal lubrication
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 improves fluid circulation and lubrication within the dual-clutch mechanism, simplifies the assembly process of the elastic return element, and enhances pressure balancing between actuation chambers, leading to a more efficient and reliable transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return element housed in the balancing chamber and arranged to exert an axial force against said piston
Implementation Method 2
a pressure chamber arranged to receive a pressurized fluid; a piston movable axially in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 3
the balancing chamber is supplied with a hydraulic cooling fluid to lubricate the balancing chamber itself and the other components of the clutch mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a double clutch mechanism (10) in which each actuation system (300A, 300B) comprises a pressure chamber (750A, 750B) arranged to receive a pressurized fluid, a piston (105, 205) movable axially in the pressure chamber (750A, 750B) in order to engage or disengage the corresponding clutch (100, 200), a balancing chamber (700A, 700B) located opposite the pressure chamber (750A, 750B) with respect to the piston (105, 205), and an elastic return element (800A, 800B) housed in the balancing chamber and arranged to exert an axial force against said piston (105, 205).According to the invention, the elastic return element (800A, 800B) comprises a plurality of openings (8104) cooperating with a plurality of complementary openings (5004) located on the central hub (500) of the clutch mechanism (10) to allow fluidic communication between a fluidic circulation channel of the central hub (500) and the corresponding balancing chamber (700A, 700B). To ensure their alignment and facilitate the mounting of the elastic return element (800A, 800B) in the balancing chamber (700A, 700B), the elastic return element (800A, 800B) of at least one of the actuation systems (300A, 300B) comprises an angular indexing means (8107) cooperating with a complementary angular indexing means (5007) located on the central hub (500). The invention also relates to a transmission system (1) comprising such a dual-clutch mechanism (10).