Clutch Output Shaft Assist Timing for Wear-Tolerant Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch units face challenges in managing abrasion of torque transfer members, leading to periods where the assist force cannot be used during switching operations, requiring larger actuators and complicating size reduction and control precision.
Innovation Solution
The clutch unit is configured to input the assist force from the auxiliary spring member before the clutch reaction force, and set it to zero after the reaction force becomes zero, ensuring the assist force is available when needed and reducing the actuation driving force required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the assist force is applied continuously during clutch switching, then the actuator size can be reduced, but the assist force cannot be used during periods when clutch reaction force is present due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the assist force timing variable rather than continuous. The control mechanism dynamically adjusts when the auxiliary spring member applies assist force based on the operational state and abrasion level of the clutch, allowing the system to optimize between reducing actuator size and maintaining reliable assist force availability during switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of assist force application. By controlling the auxiliary spring member to apply assist force only during specific periods (when clutch reaction force is not present), the system transforms the continuous force application into a time-dependent parameter change, enabling both reduced actuator size and maintained reliability.
2Reliability
If the actuator is made larger to compensate for periods when assist force cannot be used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by applying the assist force from the auxiliary spring member in specific periodic intervals rather than continuously. The control mechanism activates the assist force during periods when clutch reaction force is absent, creating a rhythmic pattern of force application that maintains reliability while avoiding the need for an oversized actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the auxiliary spring member to provide assist force in advance during periods when it is safe to do so (when clutch reaction force is not present). This preliminary preparation of the assist mechanism ensures that the actuator does not need to be oversized, as the assist force is ready to be applied at the appropriate moments.
3Ease of operation
If the assist force timing is not precisely controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision and switching performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the clutch operational state and the presence of clutch reaction force. This feedback information is used by the control mechanism to precisely determine when to apply or release the assist force from the auxiliary spring member, achieving accurate timing control without excessive device complexity.
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 configuration allows smooth switching of the clutch to engaged or disengaged states without compensation for abrasion, reducing the need for large actuators and simplifying control, even when torque transfer members are abraded.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary spring member that inputs an assist force for assisting the actuation driving force to the transfer member
Implementation Method 2
a friction lining, and a thrust plate. The friction lining is disposed between the flywheel and the thrust plate
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch unit includes a clutch having a clutch spring, a motor that generates an actuation driving force for actuating the clutch, an output shaft that transfers the clutch reaction force to the clutch and receives an elastic restoring force of the clutch spring as a clutch reaction force, and a spring that inputs an assist force for assisting the actuation driving force to the output shaft. In switching the clutch from an engaged state to a disengaged state, the output shaft receives the assist force before receiving the clutch reaction force, whereas in switching the clutch from the disengaged state to the engaged state, the assist force becomes zero after the clutch reaction force becomes zero.