Hydraulic Clutch Assembly With Orifice Return Flow for Stable Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic actuator systems in motor vehicle drivelines experience fluctuations in hydraulic pressure due to foaming in the hydraulic fluid, leading to inaccuracies in torque distribution during prolonged actuation.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically operable clutch assembly with a controllable friction clutch, a hydraulic actuator assembly, and a return flow element with an orifice, which reduces foaming tendencies by maintaining constant hydraulic pressure through the design of the hydraulic system, allowing precise torque adjustment and high driving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic pump is constantly driven to maintain hydraulic pressure for prolonged clutch actuation, then the torque transmission capability is maintained, but hydraulic pressure fluctuations occur due to foaming in the hydraulic fluid, leading to inaccuracies in torque distribution
Solution Approach 1:
A return flow element with an orifice is introduced as an intermediary component between the hydraulic chamber and reservoir. This orifice acts as a flow restrictor that controls the rate at which hydraulic fluid returns to the reservoir, preventing excessive foaming and stabilizing hydraulic pressure during prolonged pump operation, thereby maintaining accurate torque distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters of the hydraulic system by introducing a restricted flow path through the orifice in the return flow element. This parameter change controls the hydraulic fluid's return flow rate, reducing foam generation and stabilizing pressure characteristics during continuous operation, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining torque capability and preventing pressure fluctuations.
2Ease of operation
If the outlet opening of the return flow element is positioned above the filling level, then air can escape more easily, but hydraulic pressure fluctuations increase due to foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by positioning the outlet opening of the return flow element at a specific location below the filling level in the reservoir. This localized positioning creates an optimal balance: it restricts air escape pathways to minimize foaming (improving torque distribution accuracy) while still allowing sufficient air venting through the restricted orifice path (maintaining operational reliability).
3Stress or pressure
If the orifice size in the return flow element is increased to reduce back pressure, then hydraulic fluid can flow more freely, but foaming increases leading to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by using a small orifice that provides just enough flow restriction to control foaming and stabilize hydraulic pressure, rather than completely blocking the return flow. This partial restriction is sufficient to reduce foam generation and maintain fluid stability while still allowing adequate hydraulic fluid circulation to prevent excessive back pressure buildup.
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 solution ensures precise and targeted torque adjustment and maintains driving stability even during prolonged actuation by minimizing pressure drops and foaming, ensuring consistent actuation force and torque transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a return flow element having an orifice, via which hydraulic fluid can flow out of the hydraulic chamber into a reservoir
Implementation Method 2
due to the design of the hydraulic system with return flow element and orifice plate, a foaming tendency of the hydraulic fluid is reduced
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic actuator assembly having a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic chamber connected thereto and in which a hydraulic pressure can be built up by the hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 4
the hydraulic pressure remains at least largely constant. In this way, the actuation force of the friction clutch can be precisely dosed
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly comprises at least one controllable friction clutch for variable torque transmission between a clutch input part and a clutch output part; a hydraulic actuator assembly for actuating the friction clutch, the actuator assembly comprising a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic chamber in which hydraulic pressure for the friction clutch is built up by the hydraulic pump and a return flow element with an orifice, via which hydraulic fluid can flow out of the hydraulic chamber into a housing reservoir when the hydraulic pump is not actuated, wherein the hydraulic fluid defines a filling level in the housing reservoir; wherein an outlet opening of the return flow element lies below the filling level of the hydraulic fluid in a inactive state.