Friction Connection Using Additional Elements for Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frictional connections in machine elements, such as those in commercial vehicle drive trains, face challenges in transmitting high torsional loads without slipping or damaging components, as the torque transmission is limited by the diameter of the friction surface, its distance from the axis, and the coefficient of friction, which cannot be altered in existing designs.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of additional elements that are frictionally engaged using a prestressing force to increase the torque transmission by creating multiple frictional contacts, allowing the prestressing force to be used multiple times and distributing the load across additional frictional surfaces, thereby enhancing the transmissible torque without altering the original friction surface dimensions or coefficients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If additional frictional contacts are created using existing prestressing force, then the transmissible torque is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmissible torqueVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frictional connection is segmented into multiple contact surfaces by introducing additional elements (such as friction plates or intermediate layers) between the machine elements. These additional elements create multiple frictional interfaces that collectively increase the transmissible torque without requiring changes to the original friction surface dimensions or coefficients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Additional frictional elements are nested within the existing connection structure, allowing the prestressing force to act through multiple layers. This nesting approach enables the same prestressing force to generate multiple frictional contacts, effectively multiplying the torque transmission capacity while maintaining a compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the torque transmission capacity is increased by adding frictional contacts, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The additional elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they create frictional contacts for torque transmission, can be integrated with existing fastening systems, and maintain compatibility with standard manufacturing processes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized manufacturing steps while achieving improved torque capacity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If multiple frictional contacts are created to increase torque capacity, then the transverse force transmission is improved, but the normal force distribution becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse forceVSAvoidnormal force distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The additional frictional elements are strategically positioned to create localized frictional contacts where transverse forces are most critical. By concentrating frictional resistance at specific locations rather than uniformly distributing it, the design effectively handles transverse force transmission while managing normal force distribution through targeted contact zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively increases the torque transmission capacity of frictional connections between machine elements, such as clutch and flywheel housing parts, by utilizing additional elements that absorb part of the torque load, thus preventing slipping and damage, while maintaining the original design parameters.

Implementation Method 1

The torsional moment that can be transmitted depends on the diameter D of the friction surface, its distance from the axis of rotation or torsion, the normal force F N acting there and the coefficient of friction μ at this point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3006760B1Friction-type connection and method for increasing the torque and/or lateral force transferred over a friction-type connection
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3006760B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3006760B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3006760B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for frictionally connecting two machine elements for the purpose of transmitting torque and/or lateral force, and to a method for increasing the torque and/or lateral force that can be transmitted via such a frictionally connecting two machine elements. The device (200) comprises a first machine element (10), a second machine element (20), and at least one first fastening element (1a, 1b, 1c) with which a preload force can be generated that presses opposing separating surfaces (11a, 21a) of the first machine element (10) and the second machine element (20), which are designed as friction surfaces, against each other to transmit a torque. To increase the torque and/or lateral force that can be transmitted via such a frictionally connecting element, at least one additional element (30) is provided, which is attached to the first component (10) and to the second component (20).In this process, the at least one additional element (30) is attached to the first component (10) by frictional engagement, utilizing the preload force of the at least one first fastening means (1a, 1b, 1c).