Multi-Clutch Assembly With Carrier-Through Piston for Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch arrangements in hybrid powertrains face challenges in flexibility and space optimization, particularly in disconnect clutches and dual clutches, where the actuation element's location inside the housing limits adaptability to various boundary constraints.
Innovation Solution
The actuation element, often referred to as a piston, is designed with openings to receive an outer plate carrier, allowing it to be axially secured and facilitating assembly, while the outer plate carrier, with elongate holes and radially inward-facing fingers, serves as both a housing component and material-efficient design, reducing installation space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the actuation element is located inside the housing of the clutch arrangement, then the clutch arrangement can be compact, but the adaptability to various boundary constraints is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The outer plate carrier is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural housing component and an actuation element for the clutch arrangement. By integrating these functions into a single component, the design achieves greater adaptability to different boundary constraints without increasing overall complexity, as the same component can be configured for various clutch types including disconnect clutches, dual clutches, and triple clutches in hybrid powertrains
2Strength
If the outer plate carrier is made with substantial material for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but weight and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer plate carrier features localized reinforcement through radially inward-facing fingers that engage with the actuation element. These fingers are strategically positioned to provide structural strength exactly where needed for clutch actuation, while the rest of the carrier maintains minimal material thickness. This local quality approach ensures sufficient strength for clutch operation while minimizing overall weight and installation space
3Reliability
If the outer plate carrier has a closed housing structure, then protection and structural stability are improved, but assembly complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer plate carrier is segmented with elongate openings that allow the actuation element to pass through and be assembled from the axial direction. This segmentation creates assembly pathways without compromising the overall structural stability of the carrier, enabling simple manufacturing and installation while maintaining the protective enclosure needed for reliable clutch operation
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch arrangement arranged between a drive unit and a transmission, with at least one multi-plate clutch having an outer plate carrier and an actuation element. The actuation element, particularly a piston, has openings for receiving the outer plate carrier.