Annular Friction Surface Groove Layout for Lower Drag Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frictional parts for frictionally acting devices, such as wet-running clutches, face challenges in reducing drag torque and wear on the friction surface, which are not adequately addressed by current designs.
Innovation Solution
The frictional part features a zig-zag or undulating circumferential groove with larger outer grooves and smaller inner grooves, allowing for improved coolant and lubricant supply and distribution, which reduces drag torque and wear by enhancing coolant and lubricant mixing, especially with internal supply, and provides flexibility in rotational direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a circumferential groove with zig-zag or undulating pattern is provided in the friction surface, then drag torque is reduced and wear is reduced, but the groove cross section design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the groove cross-section dimensions at different locations. Specifically, the outer groove opening has a larger cross-sectional area than the inner groove opening, creating localized variations in groove geometry to optimize fluid dynamics and reduce drag torque while managing complexity through targeted design changes rather than uniform complexity throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the groove cross-section, specifically varying the cross-sectional area from the outer opening to the inner opening. This parameter change allows optimization of coolant/lubricant flow characteristics and drag torque reduction while providing a systematic approach to managing groove design complexity through controlled dimensional variations.
2Quantity of substance
If outer grooves have larger cross section than inner grooves, then coolant and lubricant distribution is improved and drag torque is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by specifying that the outer groove opening has a larger cross-sectional area than the inner groove opening. This localized dimensional differentiation optimizes the quantity and distribution of coolant and lubricant where it is most needed (at the outer periphery where friction and heat generation are typically higher) while maintaining manufacturability through clear, localized design specifications rather than complex overall geometry.
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 significantly reduces drag torque and wear on the friction surface, facilitating efficient coolant and lubricant distribution, even at low speeds, and allows for flexible usage in both internal and external lubricant supply scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential groove, in which a coolant and/or a lubricant, for example oil, may be accommodated or guided, is provided in the friction surface
Implementation Method 2
a fast formation of a mixture made of coolant and/or lubricant and the air within the disk clutch or disk brake may be achieved
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a frictional part (2) for a frictionally acting device comprising an annular friction surface (26), which has an inner edge (34) and an outer edge (36), wherein a circumferential groove (42) which extends in a zig-zag or undulating fashion between radially interior and radially exterior deflection points (44, 46), a plurality of outer grooves (64, 70) which each have an outer opening (66, 72) at the outer edge (36) and open into the circumferential groove (42) at opening points (68, 74) between the deflection points (44, 46), and a plurality of inner grooves (56, 60) which each have an inner opening (58, 62) at the inner edge (34) and open into the circumferential groove (42) between the opening points (68, 74), are provided in the friction surface (26). The outer opening (66, 72) of at least one of the outer grooves (64, 70) has a groove cross section which is larger than a groove cross section of the inner opening (58, 62) of at least one of the inner grooves (56, 60).