Friction Clutch Assembly Using Electromagnetic Plate Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Friction clutches, particularly wet friction clutches, fail to fully disengage clutch plates when no normal force is applied, leading to residual torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A friction clutch design featuring first and second clutch members with interleaved plates, where the first clutch member is made of magnetically susceptible material and coupled with a first electromagnet that generates a magnetic field to drive the clutch plates apart when operated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs or magnets are incorporated into clutch plates to cause automatic disengagement, then clutch plate separation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical springs with an electromagnetic system. An electromagnet mounted on the housing replaces the need for mechanical spring elements, using magnetic fields to achieve plate separation. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the disengagement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary force between the electromagnet and clutch plates. The magnetic field acts as a mediator to transmit the separating force without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex spring mechanisms, simplifying the overall system.
2Device complexity
If clutch plates are left in contact without active disengagement mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but residual torque transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electromagnetic field-based system instead of relying on mechanical friction alone. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that actively repels or attracts clutch plates to ensure complete separation, eliminating residual torque without adding complex mechanical disengagement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or interaction parameters between clutch plates by introducing magnetic forces. By controlling the magnetic field strength through the electromagnet, the system can dynamically adjust the separation force to completely eliminate contact and residual torque transmission when disengagement is required.
3Reliability
If normal force is continuously applied to maintain clutch engagement, then torque transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases during disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet operates periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. It activates only when disengagement is needed, applying magnetic force to separate the plates, then deactivates to allow engagement through normal operational forces. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing normal operational forces and the electromagnetic field to achieve disengagement without requiring continuous external energy input. Once the electromagnet is activated, the magnetic field does the work of separation, and the system maintains disengagement through the magnetic force until re-engagement is commanded, reducing overall energy consumption.
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
Ensures complete disengagement of clutch plates, reducing drag forces and speeding up the disengagement process, thereby preventing unintended torque transmission when power is not intended to be transmitted.
Implementation Method 1
The first electromagnet has a first pole that is magnetically coupled to the first clutch member. The first clutch plates are driven apart from one another when the first electromagnet is operated to generate a magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
A friction clutch having first and second clutch members, a plurality of first clutch plates, a plurality of second clutch plates and a first electromagnet. The first clutch member is formed of a first magnetically susceptible material. The first clutch plates are axially slidably and non-rotatably coupled to the first clutch member and are formed of a second magnetically susceptible material. The second clutch plates are axially slidably and non-rotatably coupled to the second clutch member. The second clutch plates are interleaved with the first clutch plates. The first electromagnet has a first pole that is magnetically coupled to the first clutch member. The first clutch plates are driven apart from one another when the first electromagnet is operated to generate a magnetic field.