Friction Clutch Absorber Layout for Compact Axial Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing friction clutches in straddled vehicles face challenges in reducing axial dimensions while maintaining a sufficiently large absorber to absorb impactive forces, as the placement of the absorber either increases the clutch's axial size or restricts its expansion due to interference with other components.
Innovation Solution
The friction clutch design positions the absorber forward of the clutch housing, allowing the clutch sleeve to be disposed forward of the clutch boss, thereby increasing the space between these components and enabling a larger absorber without increasing the axial dimension, with the absorber made of rubber and strategically positioned between the clutch sleeve and boss to maximize energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the absorber is disposed on the rear of the clutch housing, then the absorber can be adequately sized to absorb impactive forces, but the axial dimension of the friction clutch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the absorber from the rear of the clutch housing to the space between the clutch sleeve and clutch boss, utilizing the radial dimension rather than extending axially. This dimensional shift allows the absorber to be adequately sized for impact absorption without increasing the clutch's axial length, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and compactness.
2Length of moving object
If the absorber is disposed forward of the clutch housing, then the axial dimension is reduced, but the absorber size is restricted due to interference with the clutch boss
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is nested within the annular space formed by the clutch sleeve and clutch boss, utilizing the available radial clearance. This nesting approach allows the absorber to achieve sufficient volume for impact absorption while maintaining a compact axial profile, as the absorber fits within the existing structural envelope rather than requiring additional space.
3Reliability
If the absorber size is increased to enhance energy absorption, then the impact absorption capability improves, but the axial dimension or overall size of the clutch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber achieves increased volume and energy absorption capability by expanding in the radial direction between the clutch sleeve and boss, rather than extending axially. This dimensional strategy allows the absorber to be larger and more effective at absorbing impactive forces while maintaining a compact axial profile, resolving the contradiction between energy absorption capability and overall size.
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 reduces the axial dimension of the friction clutch while allowing for a larger absorber, enhancing the clutch's ability to absorb energy without increasing the overall size, thus improving the transmission efficiency and reducing impact forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The friction clutch is provided with an absorber. When an impactive force is transmitted from the drive source to the friction clutch, the absorber reduces the impact of the force.
Implementation Method 2
The absorber is preferably large in size so as to increase the amount of energy absorbable by the absorber.
Data Source
AI summary
A friction clutch includes: a clutch shaft; a clutch housing; a clutch boss; a clutch sleeve; a plurality of first plates supported by a first sleeve portion of the clutch housing; a plurality of second plates supported by a second sleeve portion of the clutch sleeve; a pressure plate; a spring urging the pressure plate toward the first and second plates; and an absorber interposed between the clutch sleeve and the clutch boss. The absorber is disposed in a first direction relative to a second disk portion of the clutch boss and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, relative to a third disk portion of the clutch sleeve.