Internal Axial Clutch Actuation Reducing Assembly Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple-disk clutches are bulkier due to the external positioning of the pressure mechanism and actuation system, which increases the width of the clutch assembly and transmission assembly.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-disk clutch design with an inner clutch member connected to the transmission input shaft and an outer clutch member connected to the crankshaft, featuring a first actuation system with ball bearings and levers to release compression force, and a second actuation system using a hydraulic piston/cylinder assembly to disengage friction disks, both supported internally to reduce size and stiffness, allowing for efficient power transmission and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressure mechanism and actuation system are positioned on the outer portion of the clutch assembly, then ease of access and connection is improved, but the width of the clutch assembly increases making it bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is repositioned from an external radial arrangement to an internal axial arrangement within the clutch assembly. The actuator operates along the axial dimension between the friction disks, utilizing the existing internal space rather than extending the radial width, thereby reducing overall clutch width while maintaining actuation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system components are nested within the existing clutch assembly structure. The actuator is positioned between the friction disks and integrated with the pressure mechanism, utilizing the internal volume of the clutch assembly rather than adding external components, thus reducing the overall width while preserving ease of connection
2Ease of manufacture
If the actuation system is positioned externally on the clutch assembly, then connection accessibility is improved, but the clutch and transmission assembly becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation force is applied axially between the friction disks rather than radially from the outside. This dimensional change allows the actuator to be integrated within the clutch pack, reducing the radial and axial dimensions of the overall assembly while maintaining manufacturing accessibility through the existing clutch interface
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is merged with the pressure mechanism and friction disk assembly. The actuator becomes an integrated component within the clutch pack rather than a separate external unit, combining multiple functions into a compact internal arrangement that reduces overall assembly volume
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 reduces the overall size of the clutch assembly, requires less force and travel to disengage friction disks, and protects moving parts from the environment, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for external support structures.
Implementation Method 1
at least two ball bearings sandwiched between a first actuator plate and a second actuator plate... the actuator plates are adapted to rotate in opposite direction such that the ball bearings are forced up the ramping areas thereby pushing the actuator plates apart
Implementation Method 2
The second actuation system is a centrifugal actuation system adapted to apply pressure to the driving and driven friction disks as a function of a speed of rotation of the multiple-disk clutch
Implementation Method 3
The first pressure member is biased to urge the driving and driven friction disks together in a compression direction
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-disk clutch has inner and outer clutch members, and a plurality of driving and driven friction disks. The driven and driving friction disks are arranged alternately. A first axially movable pressure member is biased to urge the driving and driven friction disks together in a compression direction. A first actuation system is connected to the first pressure member. The first actuation system is adapted release the compression force exerted by the first pressure member on the driving and driven friction disks. A second actuation system includes a second pressure member and is axially movable to compress the driving and driven friction disks together. The driving and driven friction disks are disposed between the first and second pressure members. The second actuation system is a centrifugal actuation system. The first actuation system is connected to and is axially movable with the second pressure member.