Radially Nested Clutch with Common Endplate and Disk Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple clutch designs in radially nested configurations require significant space and multiple components, complicating manufacturing and assembly due to separate disk supports and endplates for each clutch.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates a common endplate and disk support for both the radial inner and outer clutches, allowing for shared components and reduced manufacturing steps, with a common disk support produced by molding or drawing and connected fixed against rotation using toothings or as an integral part, and a common endplate that adjusts force application via spherical humps for optimal friction and temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate disk supports and endplates are used for each clutch in a radially nested configuration, then each clutch can be independently designed and assembled, but the number of components increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the disk supports and endplates of the radial inner and radial outer clutches into common shared components. The common disk support serves both clutches, and the common endplate provides the closing force for both clutch assemblies, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining functional independence of each clutch
Solution Approach 2:
The common disk support and common endplate are designed to perform multiple functions: supporting disks for both radial inner and radial outer clutches, providing structural framework, and enabling independent actuation of both clutches through shared hydraulic circuits. This multi-functionality reduces component count while preserving clutch versatility
2Reliability
If separate endplates are provided for each clutch, then axial support for closing forces can be provided for each clutch independently, but the number of manufacturing steps and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the endplates of both clutches into a single common endplate that provides axial support for the closing forces of both radial inner and radial outer clutches. This unified structure reduces manufacturing steps from producing two separate endplates to producing one, while simplifying assembly by reducing the number of parts to be positioned and fastened
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for the clutch arrangement, then functional requirements can be met, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the radial inner clutch is positioned within the radial outer clutch, both sharing common disk supports and a common endplate. This nesting strategy allows both clutch assemblies to occupy overlapping radial and axial spaces, significantly reducing the overall envelope volume compared to separate clutch arrangements
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
This integration reduces the number of components and assembly steps, minimizes space requirements, and allows for adjustable frictional loads, enhancing the efficiency and simplicity of the clutch arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
the disks of the radial outer multiple disk clutch and the disks of the radial inner multiple disk clutch may be brought into friction lock
Implementation Method 2
The cylinder and actuating piston in each instance form a so-called pressure chamber, which by means of a fluid, in particular a hydraulic fluid, can be acted on by a pressure, in order to bring the disks into (or out of) frictional engagement
Implementation Method 3
The fluid found in this equalizing chamber serves (largely) to equalize any superelevation of pressure in the pressure chamber due to centrifugal force occurring with increasing speed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clutch arrangement in radially nested design. Known in the prior art is a clutch arrangement which comprises a radial outer multiple disk clutch having outer disks and inner disks and a radial inner multiple disk clutch having outer disks and inner disks, where the radial outer multiple disk clutch and the radial inner multiple disk clutch have a common disk support, which supports the outer disks of the radial inner multiple disk clutch and the inner disks of the radial outer multiple disk clutch. According to the invention, a common endplate is provided for the radial inner multiple disk clutch and the radial outer multiple disk clutch. Alternatively or in addition, the invention provides that the common disk support has a hollow cylindrical section with a meander-like cross section, so that on the outer peripheral side an outer toothing is formed for the accommodation of an inner toothing of the inner disks of the radial outer multiple disk clutch and on the inner peripheral side an inner toothing is formed for the accommodation of an outer toothing of the outer disks of the radial inner multiple disk clutch.