Multidisc Clutch Disc With Elastic Sheets for Axial Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-disc clutches experience high axial forces and torque losses due to uneven axial displacement of flanges during the closing process, making it difficult to control the clutch engagement and reducing the transmissible torque.
Innovation Solution
A multi-disc clutch design featuring thin, elastically deformable sheets connecting the friction linings to the hub, allowing independent axial displacement of each disk and minimizing reaction forces, thereby improving controllability and torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressure plate and intermediate pressure plate travel significantly more axially than the pad springs, then the clutch can be switched between engaged and disengaged states, but the pad springs are unable to prevent axial displacement of the flanges, generating high axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection between the clutch disc and hub elastic rather than rigid. The metal sheet is designed with specific thickness (less than 0.9mm) and material properties to provide elastic deformability, allowing the connection to dynamically adapt during clutch engagement. This elastic connection absorbs axial displacement forces through controlled deformation, preventing the high axial forces that would otherwise occur with a rigid connection while maintaining the clutch switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the metal sheet thickness to less than 0.9mm (particularly less than 0.8mm or 0.7mm) to achieve the desired elastic properties. By changing the geometric parameter (thickness) and material properties of the metal sheet, the connection becomes sufficiently compliant to reduce axial forces while maintaining structural integrity and functional performance during clutch operation.
2Power
If the friction linings are firmly connected to the hub, then torque transmission is efficient, but axial displacement of the discs during engagement generates high reaction forces and reduces controllability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the firm rigid connection with an elastic connection through the thin metal sheet. This allows the friction linings to remain effectively connected to the hub for torque transmission while introducing compliance that enables controlled axial movement during engagement. The elastic connection dynamically adjusts during the engagement process, maintaining torque transmission efficiency while improving controllability by reducing abrupt reaction forces.
3Strength
If thicker metal sheets are used to connect the discs to the hub, then structural strength is improved, but axial displacement forces increase and controllability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the metal sheet thickness to a specific range (less than 0.9mm, particularly less than 0.8mm or 0.7mm, but at least 0.3mm or 0.5mm). This parameter optimization achieves the right balance: the sheet is thin enough to provide elastic compliance for controllable engagement, yet thick enough to maintain sufficient structural strength for torque transmission and durability during operation.
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 axial displacement forces and enhances the predictability of forces acting on the clutch, leading to improved torque transmission and control of the clutch engagement process.
Implementation Method 1
The metal sheets are elastically deformable in an axial direction, wherein a first disc with friction linings and a second disc with friction linings can be displaced independently of one another along the axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a multidisc clutch disc (1) comprising at least one hub (2), a first disc (3) for arranging friction linings (4), and a second disc (5) for arranging friction linings (4), wherein the friction linings (4) of the different discs (3, 5) are arranged in a mutually spaced manner along an axial direction (6); the first disc (3) is connected to the hub (2) via a first metal sheet (7), and the second disc (5) is connected to the hub via a second metal sheet (8); and each of the metal sheets (7, 8) has a material thickness which is less than 0.9 millimeter.