Interchangeable Spline Ring Clutch Assembly for Multi-Vehicle Fitment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch assemblies are not versatile and require numerous kits to fit different vehicles, leading to inventory management burdens, logistical challenges, and increased costs due to complex designs and frequent replacements, often resulting in incorrect kit ordering and damage to vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A sealed clutch with a spline connector that allows for a removable and replaceable spline ring, enabling a single clutch to fit various transmission shaft configurations by swapping out the spline ring, reducing the need for multiple clutch kits and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different clutch kits are manufactured for different vehicle models, then compatibility with various vehicles is improved, but inventory complexity and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch kit is designed with a universal adapter plate that can accommodate multiple transmission shaft configurations through interchangeable splined hubs. This allows a single clutch kit design to serve multiple vehicle models with different drivetrain configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture separate kits for each vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly is divided into separable components: a universal adapter plate, interchangeable splined hubs, and the main clutch mechanism. This segmentation allows the splined hub portion to be swapped out to match different transmission shafts, providing vehicle-specific compatibility without requiring complete kit variations.
2Reliability
If vehicle-specific clutch kits are ordered and delivered, then correct fitment is ensured, but delivery time and vehicle downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal adapter plate is pre-configured with multiple mounting positions and the installer selects the appropriate splined hub based on the vehicle type. This preliminary preparation of the universal base allows for quick on-site configuration without waiting for custom-ordered vehicle-specific kits.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal adapter plate acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the standard clutch mechanism and various transmission shaft configurations. This mediator allows any clutch kit to be adapted to fit different vehicles, eliminating the need for lengthy delivery waits for vehicle-specific models.
3Productivity
If elaborate inventory and logistics networks are established, then rapid clutch kit delivery is achieved, but capital expenditure and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal clutch kit design replaces the need for maintaining separate inventory stocks for dozens of vehicle-specific clutch models. This universality allows workshops to stock one type of clutch kit that can service multiple vehicle types, eliminating the need for expensive multi-variant inventory systems and rapid delivery logistics networks.
4Ease of operation
If incorrect clutch kits are ordered, then ordering process is simplified, but component damage and additional costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The universal adapter plate design ensures that any ordered clutch kit can be adapted to fit the target vehicle by simply changing the splined hub. This eliminates the risk of ordering errors, as workshops no longer need to precisely match clutch kits to specific vehicle models - the universal design guarantees compatibility across multiple vehicle types.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed clutch and a clutch plate, the sealed clutch including a spline connector for connecting the sealed clutch by splined connection to a transmission shaft of an automotive transmission. The spline connector comprising a connector housing and a spline ring. The spline ring including an opening having a spline configuration for cooperating with a splined portion of a transmission shaft. The connector housing being secured within the sealed clutch and the spline ring being removably connectable to the connector housing to enable the spline ring to be removed and replaced with a different spline ring for cooperating with a splined portion of a different transmission shaft. The clutch plate has a pair of drive plates having a coaxially aligned openings and a spline connector mounted between them. The outer diameter of the spline ring being slightly less than the inner diameter of the opening of one of the drive plates and a removable retainer being interposed between the spline connector and the drive plate to retain the spline ring, whereby removal of the removable retainer enables removal of the spline ring from the spline connector through the opening of the drive plate.