Friction Disc Drive Lug Layout for Higher Torsion Damper Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clutch discs have limited rotation stop elements due to space constraints, leading to premature breakage and reduced friction torque, and the radial support of elastic washers limits available load and torque.

Innovation Solution

The friction device incorporates recesses that house springs and elastic washers, allowing for increased number of drive tabs without weakening the element, which are inserted into these recesses to enhance rotational locking and friction torque, while maintaining rigidity and simplifying manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated holes are created in the rotating element to receive stop elements, then rotational locking is achieved, but the element is weakened and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational locking reliabilityVSAvoidrotating element strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spring housing function and the rotational locking function into the same recess structure. The recesses that originally served only to house springs now also receive drive tabs to prevent rotation, merging two functions into one structural feature without requiring additional holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses in the rotating element are given multiple functions: they continue to house the springs while also serving as receptacles for drive tabs that prevent rotational movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated locking holes.

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

2Power

If the number of drive tabs is increased to improve friction torque, then friction torque transmission is enhanced, but the rotating element becomes more complex and harder to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction torqueVSAvoidrotating element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the spring housing recesses with the drive tab receptacles, the patent allows multiple drive tabs to be accommodated using the same structural features already present in the rotating element, increasing friction torque capability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If elastic washers are supported radially inside the springs, then compact arrangement is achieved, but available elastic load and friction torque are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch disc compactnessVSAvoidfriction torque capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from radial support arrangement to axial support arrangement for the elastic washers. By supporting the washers axially on the rotating element rather than radially inside the springs, the design expands the available space for elastic load while maintaining compact overall dimensions through the axial dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design increases the number of rotation stop tabs, preventing premature wear and enhancing friction torque transmission, while allowing for a more compact and robust clutch disc assembly with improved handling and assembly efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

springs configured to oppose a relative rotation between the first rotating element and the second rotating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the drive tabs is inserted in one of the recesses of the first rotating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3889459B1Friction disc for vibration damper
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP3889459B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3889459B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3889459B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Friction device (10) for a torsion damper (100), the friction device (10) comprising: - the first rotating element (4) which includes recesses (40) each arranged to receive at least one of the springs (9) of the torsion damper, - a load spring washer (15) and a friction washer (14), positioned on the same side of the first rotating element (4), at least one of the spring washer (15) and the friction washer (14) includes drive lugs (51, 51A, 51B, 52) mounted fixedly for rotation of the first rotating element (4), characterized in that at least one of the drive lugs (51, 51A, 51B, 52) is inserted into one of the recesses (40) of the first rotating element (4).