Multi-Plate Dry Clutch for Compact Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle powertrains, small torque transferring components struggle to effectively reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics due to limited space, especially in compact vehicles, where their damping abilities are compromised.
Innovation Solution
A torque transfer apparatus comprising a dual mass flywheel and a multi-plate dry friction clutch, which reduces size and complexity while maintaining effective torque transfer, incorporating a centrifugal pendulum absorber for enhanced damping, and a clutch actuator for selective engagement, allowing for a smaller, more efficient design suitable for compact spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single plate clutch is used, then the structure is simpler, but the diameter must be larger to transmit the same torque
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is divided into multiple friction plates (typically 3-5 plates) instead of using a single plate. This segmentation allows the torque to be distributed across multiple contact surfaces, increasing the total friction area within a smaller diameter, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple friction plates are nested within each other in a compact arrangement, with alternating friction plates and steel plates stacked together. This nesting allows maximum utilization of the axial space and achieves high torque capacity in a compact radial dimension.
2Temperature
If a wet clutch with fluid lubrication is used, then cooling is improved, but parasitic losses increase and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid lubrication system is completely removed from the clutch design. Instead of using wet clutch plates with oil cooling, the invention employs dry friction plates that rely on ambient air cooling and the cooling effect of the vehicle's intake air, thereby eliminating parasitic energy losses associated with fluid lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The dry clutch plates are designed to self-cool through the vehicle's existing airflow (intake air and ambient air) without requiring an additional lubrication and cooling system. The clutch housing incorporates cooling channels that utilize the vehicle's natural airflow to dissipate heat.
3Area of stationary object
If the torque transfer apparatus size is reduced for compact vehicles, then space constraints are satisfied, but damping abilities and NVH reduction become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch plates are designed with dynamic damping characteristics through their material composition and structural design. The friction plates incorporate viscoelastic materials and optimized plate geometries that provide vibration damping while maintaining compact dimensions. The spring elements in the pressure plate assembly also contribute to dynamic damping of torsional vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plates use composite materials combining friction material with steel substrates, optimized for both torque transmission and vibration damping. The dual-mass flywheel connected to the clutch also uses composite construction to enhance damping properties while maintaining compact size.
4Temperature
If an oil supply system is added for clutch lubrication, then cooling and lubrication are improved, but the overall size and complexity of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The entire oil supply system (pumps, hoses, filters, lubrication channels) is removed from the clutch assembly. The invention adopts a dry clutch design that eliminates the need for fluid lubrication, thereby removing the associated complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing airflow system (intake air and ambient air) is utilized for clutch cooling, eliminating the need for a dedicated lubrication and cooling system. The clutch housing integrates cooling channels that work with the vehicle's natural airflow patterns.
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 effectively reduces NVH characteristics while enabling a smaller, more efficient torque transfer apparatus that can fit within limited spaces, improving energy efficiency and engine response by using a multi-plate dry friction clutch and centrifugal pendulum absorber, maintaining acceptable NVH levels even in compact designs.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-plate friction clutch rotatably coupled to the dual mass flywheel; wherein the multi-plate friction clutch is engageable to selectively rotationally couple an input of the torque transfer apparatus to an output of the torque transfer apparatus to selectively transfer torque through the torque transfer apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The torque transfer apparatus may comprise a centrifugal pendulum absorber rotatably coupled to one or both of the dual mass flywheel and the dry multi-plate friction clutch
Implementation Method 3
The torque transfer apparatus may comprise a centrifugal pendulum absorber rotatably coupled to one or both of the dual mass flywheel and the dry multi-plate friction clutch
Implementation Method 4
a dual mass flywheel; The torque transfer apparatus may transfer torque whilst reducing vibrations to an acceptable level
Data Source
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AI summary
A torque transfer apparatus comprising a dual mass flywheel, and a multi-plate friction clutch rotatably coupled to the dual mass flywheel. The multi-plate friction clutch is engageable to selectively rotationally couple an input of the torque transfer apparatus to an output of the torque transfer apparatus to selectively transfer torque through the torque transfer apparatus.