Lamellar Coupling Connection Without Lamella Bores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-plate clutches face challenges in achieving compact dimensions, cost-effective production, and long service life while efficiently transmitting power with high strength and flexibility to accommodate various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-plate clutch design featuring a lamella connected to first and second flanges via detachable fastening means, with a material-locking connection that allows for torque transmission without the need for recesses or bores, enabling a compact, weight-saving, and robust structure capable of handling axial, radial, and angular misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lamella is designed with recesses, bores, or constrictions to accommodate fastening elements, then the fastening connection is enabled, but the material utilization decreases and stress concentration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating recesses or bores in the lamella to accommodate fastening elements (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the fastening elements protrude from the flange surfaces and engage with the lamella from the outside. The second fastening element is materially bonded to the lamella's outer surface, eliminating the need for internal recesses and maintaining full material utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the fastening connection at specific locations on the lamella's outer surface rather than requiring internal modifications. The second fastening elements are bonded at discrete points or circumferentially around the periphery, maintaining the lamella's structural integrity and uniform cross-section while providing secure attachment.
2Weight of moving object
If the lamella is designed with an unbranched cross-section to improve material utilization, then weight and space are reduced, but the complexity of providing positive fit or frictional fit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fitting systems (such as keyways, splines, or interference fits requiring precise machining of recesses) with a material-bonded connection. The second fastening elements are attached using welding, adhesive bonding, or other material bonding processes, which simplifies the manufacturing of the unbranched cross-section while still providing secure mechanical attachment.
3Reliability
If the multi-plate clutch is designed with larger outer diameter to accommodate traditional fastening methods, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the compactness and power density decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional radial or axial fastening approach that requires significant space to a surface-bonded approach utilizing the lamella's outer cylindrical surface. By bonding the second fastening elements to the external surface of the unbranched cross-section, the design achieves reliable fastening without increasing the overall outer diameter, thereby maintaining compact dimensions and high power density.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening methods with recesses and bores are used, then the connection is easily manufactured, but the service life decreases due to stress concentration and hole bearing effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful recesses and bores from the lamella design, eliminating the sources of stress concentration and hole bearing effects. The fastening connection is achieved by bonding elements to the external surface, preserving the continuous, unbranched cross-section that resists stress concentration and fatigue, thereby extending the service life of the lamella.
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 enhances the multi-plate clutch's power density, service life, and manufacturing efficiency, allowing it to be used in applications requiring high strength and compactness, while minimizing mechanical stress and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the second fastening element is connected to the lamella via a material-bonded connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-plate clutch (10) comprising a first and a second flange (12, 14) which are connected to each other via a plate (16) in a torque-transmitting manner. The plate (16) is connected to the first flange (12) via a first fastening element (17), which in turn is detachably connected to a second fastening element (19). According to the invention, the second fastening element (19) is connected to the plate (16) by a material-bonded connection (23). The invention also relates to an industrial application (50) comprising a drive unit (52) which is connected to an output unit (56) via a clutch (54) in a torque-transmitting manner. The clutch (54) used is designed as a corresponding multi-plate clutch (10) according to the invention.