Normally Engaged Clutch Assembly With Rigid Low-Cost Sheet Metal Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle drive train clutch systems are not cost-effective and lack a sufficiently rigid coupling mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A normally engaged single clutch design with a transmission-side cover component, counter-pressure plate, and pressure plate, where the pressure plate is displaced axially to frictionally clamp a clutch disk between the counter-pressure plate and pressure plate, utilizing sheet metal components and a disk spring for preload, allowing for a compact and cost-effective construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional clutch systems are used, then sufficient coupling rigidity is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch system is divided into modular components: a pressure plate assembly with integrated cover component, a separate clutch disc, and a counter-pressure plate. The pressure plate includes multiple tab sections that can be independently formed, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly while maintaining structural integrity and coupling rigidity.
2Ease of manufacture
If sheet metal components are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but coupling rigidity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate and cover component are constructed as composite structures combining sheet metal with strategic reinforcement elements. The tab sections of the pressure plate are formed with increased thickness or structural features that provide enhanced rigidity while maintaining the cost benefits of sheet metal construction. The integration of the clutch disc between rigid friction surfaces ensures sufficient coupling strength.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then space efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover component is merged with the pressure plate structure, forming an integrated assembly that reduces the overall number of separate parts. The tab sections of the pressure plate extend to engage with the clutch disc friction surfaces, eliminating the need for separate retaining structures. This integration achieves compact dimensions while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming and assembly processes.
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
The solution provides a rigid, cost-effective clutch system with a compact design, enabling efficient torque transmission and reduced manufacturing costs through the use of sheet metal components and simplified assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing sheet metal components and a disk spring for preload
Implementation Method 2
frictionally clamping a clutch disc between the counter-pressure plate and the pressure plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a normally-engaged clutch device (1) for a drive train of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one cover component (2) on the transmission side, at least one counter-pressure plate (3) that can be connected to a transmission side of an internal combustion engine, and having at least one pressure plate (4), which with respect to the counter-pressure plate is displaceable to a limited extent in the axial direction of the coupling device for a frictional clamping of a clutch plate (8) between the counter-pressure plate and the pressure plate. For the frictional clamping, a transmission-side friction lining (9) of the clutch disk can be brought into contact with a friction surface (11) of the counter-pressure plate that is not displaceable in the axial direction, and a motor-side friction lining (10) of the clutch disk can be brought into contact with a friction surface (12) of the pressure plate.