Hydraulic Decoupling Piston for Consistent Coupling Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoupling devices with mechanical springs exhibit low and fluctuating actuating speeds due to variations in spring force, leading to inconsistent performance, particularly at low pressure.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling device with a piston movably mounted in a housing, featuring two pressure chambers connected to opposite regions, allowing for precise and constant actuation via hydraulic pressure, using an arm and ball bearings to engage and disengage a coupling element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mechanical spring is used to return the hydraulic cylinder to its original position, then the decoupling device can be actuated, but the actuating speed becomes low and fluctuating due to spring force variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a second hydraulic cylinder to actuate the first hydraulic cylinder. The second cylinder receives hydraulic pressure to generate the force needed to return the piston to its initial position, replacing the mechanical spring system. This hydraulic actuation provides more consistent and controllable actuating speeds compared to the fluctuating spring force, directly resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber to move the piston in the first direction, then the coupling element is actuated, but the return stroke requires additional complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the return actuation function into the existing hydraulic system by using the second pressure chamber and second hydraulic cylinder as an integrated part of the first hydraulic cylinder assembly. The two pressure chambers share the same piston structure and housing, with the second chamber providing the return force. This combining approach maintains ease of operation through centralized hydraulic control while avoiding the complexity of separate return mechanisms.
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
Ensures high and consistent actuating speed with precise control of the decoupling process, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the decoupling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first region of the piston is operatively connected to a first pressure chamber such that when pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber, the piston is moved in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L
Implementation Method 2
a second pressure chamber is provided which is operatively connected to a second region of the piston such that when pressure is applied to the second pressure chamber, the piston is moved in a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L, said second direction being opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A decoupling device for separating a motor from a powertrain, having a piston which is movably mounted in a housing parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the housing and which has an arm for directly or indirectly actuating a coupling element. A first region of the piston is operatively connected to a first pressure chamber such that when pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber, the piston is moved in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L. A second pressure chamber is provided which is operatively connected to a second region of the piston such that when pressure is applied to the second pressure chamber, the piston is moved in a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L, the second direction being opposite the first direction.