Friction Clutch Dual Actuation for Hybrid Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional friction clutches lack coherent concepts for gentle and individually mechanically limited torque transmission, failing to efficiently manage torque transfer between drive units in hybrid drives.
Innovation Solution
A friction clutch design featuring a dual actuating element system, where a second actuating element opposes the first actuating element to ensure uninterrupted torque transmission, with a soft contact spring and a spacer spring to limit and control torque, and a ball ramp device for smooth transition and freewheel operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single actuating element is used to press the friction pack, then the structure is simple, but smooth and controlled torque transmission cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The friction clutch is divided into two independent friction packs (first friction pack and second friction pack), each actuated by its own actuating element. This segmentation allows each friction pack to be controlled independently, enabling smooth and individually limited torque transmission through coordinated engagement and disengagement of the two friction packs.
2Reliability
If conventional friction clutch design is used, then the structure is compact, but uninterrupted torque transmission cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The dual friction pack design ensures continuous torque transmission by having one friction pack ready to engage while the other is disengaging. The first actuating element and second actuating element coordinate their actions so that torque transmission is maintained without interruption, achieving reliable and continuous power transfer between drive units.
3Power
If high torque transmission is required, then friction force must be increased, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one friction pack at full capacity, the system uses two friction packs with partial engagement. Each friction pack transmits a portion of the total torque, allowing the system to achieve high overall torque transmission while each individual friction pack operates at lower pressure, reducing energy consumption and heat generation.
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
Enables smooth and controlled torque transmission, allowing for efficient engagement and disengagement of drive units without external energy, effectively managing torque transfer between an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, ensuring reliable operation and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A friction pack; a first actuating element configured to press the friction pack in a first axial actuating direction when engaged
Implementation Method 2
a second actuating element is further provided, which is arranged on the side of the friction pack opposite the first actuating element and is configured to press the friction pack in a second axial actuating direction when engaged, wherein the second axial actuating direction is opposite to the first axial actuating direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a friction clutch comprising an axis of rotation for detachably transferring a torque between a first drive unit and a second drive unit, wherein the friction clutch has at least the following components: a friction pack; a first actuation element, which is configured to press the friction pack in a first axial actuation direction in the engaged state. The friction clutch is primarily characterised in that a second actuation element is also provided, which is arranged on the side of the friction pack opposite the first actuation element and is configured to press the friction pack in a second axial actuation direction in the engaged state, wherein the second axial actuation direction is in the opposite direction to the first axial actuation direction. With the friction clutch according to the invention, for a hybrid module, an advantageous interaction of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor is mechanically ensured.