Hybrid Multi-Disc Clutch Leaf-Spring Plates to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-plate clutches in hybrid drive trains face issues with jamming and unfavorable positioning of plates, leading to torque transmission impairments and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
A multi-plate clutch design featuring axially resilient friction surfaces connected via tooth-shaped coupling elements and leaf spring elements, which allow for axial relative movement and reduce the risk of jamming by maintaining consistent friction conditions across all pairings, thereby distributing torque effectively without excessive wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If rigid coupling elements are used to ensure precise torque transmission, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but the risk of jamming and unfavorable positioning of plates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with a resilient connection (leaf spring element) that allows dynamic adjustment. The friction surface can move axially relative to the coupling element by deflecting the leaf spring, enabling the system to adapt to positioning variations and prevent jamming while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient connection changes the stiffness parameter of the coupling system. By allowing controlled axial movement through leaf spring deflection, the system transitions from a rigid connection to a compliant one, reducing the risk of jamming while preserving sufficient torque transmission efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid plate positioning is used to maintain consistent friction conditions, then friction uniformity is improved, but the risk of unfavorable positioning and jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient connection enables dynamic positioning adjustment. The friction surface can axially move relative to the coupling element by deflecting the leaf spring, allowing the system to self-adjust to favorable positions and maintain consistent friction conditions without rigid constraints that cause jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing positioning variations and tolerances before they can lead to unfavorable positioning or jamming. The resilient connection anticipates and compensates for potential positioning issues, maintaining friction uniformity while preventing jamming.
3Reliability
If precise plate positioning is used to optimize friction pairing, then torque transmission reliability is improved, but the complexity of mounting and alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient connection reduces mounting complexity by eliminating the need for precise rigid alignment. The leaf spring allows the friction surface to axially move and self-position, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and simplifying the mounting process while maintaining torque transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from a rigid positioning system to a resilient one, the system tolerates larger positioning variations during mounting. The leaf spring deflection compensates for alignment variations, reducing mounting complexity while preserving torque transmission reliability through maintained friction contact.
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
The design enhances torque transmission reliability and reduces wear by ensuring consistent friction conditions and minimizing the risk of jamming, making it suitable for high-torque applications in hybrid vehicles without the need for lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
the first friction surface is connected to the outer ring via at least one outer leaf spring element for providing a resilient axial relative movement of the outer coupling element to the first friction surface
Implementation Method 2
When the multi-plate clutch is engaged, torque can be transmitted between the outer and inner plate carriers via the frictionally pressed plates and the friction pairings
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A multiple disc clutch (10) is provided, with an outer multiple disc carrier (12), with a plurality of outer discs (16) which are hooked into the outer multiple disc carrier (12) in an axially displaceable manner, wherein the outer disc (16) has an outer coupling element (24) for coupling to the outer multiple disc carrier (12) in a torque-transmitting manner, with an inner multiple disc carrier (14), with a plurality of inner discs (14) which are hooked into the inner multiple disc carrier in an axially displaceable manner, wherein the inner disc (14) has an inner coupling element (42) for coupling to the inner multiple disc carrier (14) in a torque-transmitting manner, wherein all the outer coupling elements (24) project radially to the outside from an outer ring (20) which runs continuously in the circumferential direction, and/or all the inner coupling elements (42) project radially to the inside from an inner ring (20) which runs continuously in the circumferential direction, wherein the first friction surface (32) is connected via at least one outer leaf spring element (26) to the outer ring (20), and/or the second friction surface (34) is connected via at least one inner leaf spring element (40). As a result, the risk of jamming and/or unfavourable positioning of discs (14, 16) in a multiple disc clutch (10) is reduced.