Parallel Double Clutch Layout With Axial Cooling Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double clutch units face challenges with limited axial and radial space in sports car transaxles, high torque transfer requirements, and the need for easy assembly and disassembly, particularly in high-end sports cars.

Innovation Solution

A double clutch unit design featuring parallel arrangement of engine and gearbox friction clutch packs with central to peripheral torque transmission, integrated axial liquid distribution for cooling, and non-overlapping clutch output hubs, allowing for compact packaging and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If two clutch packs are disposed in parallel arrangement to reduce axial space, then axial packaging space is reduced, but radial packaging space becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial spaceVSAvoidradial space

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional axial stacking of clutch packs to a parallel radial arrangement, effectively changing the dimensional organization of the clutch packs from one dimension (axial) to another dimension (radial), thereby optimizing space utilization in the limited transaxle packaging envelope

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch packs are nested within a common housing structure with shared components such as the common input shaft and common reaction plate, allowing compact packaging by nesting multiple functional elements within a reduced overall volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If multi-plate clutch packs are used for high torque transfer, then torque capacity is increased, but assembly and disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transfer capacityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch pack is divided into modular components including separable friction plate assemblies, independent piston assemblies, and removable sealing elements, allowing the high-torque multi-plate clutch to be assembled and disassembled in manageable segments rather than as a single complex unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Clutch plates and friction elements are pre-assembled into complete friction assemblies before installation into the clutch pack, and sealing elements are pre-installed on pistons or housing, reducing the complexity and time required for final assembly while maintaining high torque transfer capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If clutch packs are made compact for limited space, then packaging space is optimized, but cooling efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch pack volumeVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A hydraulic cooling system with cooling channels is integrated into the clutch pack structure, using pressurized fluid flow to efficiently remove heat from the compact clutch pack, maintaining cooling effectiveness despite the reduced volume and parallel arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system is merged with the clutch pack structure itself, with cooling channels integrated into the housing and reaction plate, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and maintaining efficient thermal management within the compact parallel clutch configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 addresses space constraints and torque transfer needs while facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, enhancing performance and efficiency in sports car transmissions.

Implementation Method 1

an axial liquid distributor (90), ALD (90), configured for transport of at least one liquid in an axial direction between the (E) side of the clutch input shaft and a location towards the (G) side of the clutch input shaft (60)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid transport through conduits:

Implementation Method 2

one or more GS cooling channels (74c) for providing cooling liquid to the GS clutch pack (30)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection cooling: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20260071655A1Compact parallel double clutch unit

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 TRANSMISIONES Y EQUIPOS MECANICOS S A DE

AI summary

A double clutch unit for a transmission including: an engine side friction clutch pack, ES clutch pack, and a gearbox side friction clutch pack, GS clutch pack; a clutch input shaft having an axis of rotation; an axial liquid distributor (ALD) configured to transport at least one liquid in an axial direction between the engine side of the clutch input shaft and a location towards the gearbox side of the clutch input shaft; wherein a first ALD conduit of the plurality of ALD conduits services both an ES clutch pack piston balancing chamber and one or more GS cooling channels for providing cooling liquid to the GS clutch pack; and a second ALD of the plurality of ALD conduits, different from the first ALD conduit, services both a GS clutch pack piston balancing chamber and one or more ES cooling channels for providing cooling liquid to the ES clutch pack.