Parallel Reaction Force Cylinders for Clutch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch control systems face challenges in downsizing the reaction force applying means and setting operation load freely, often resulting in interference with peripheral parts due to large reaction forces.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple reaction force generation cylinders arranged parallel to each other, with a clutch lever supported for rotation around a rotary shaft, using a combination of coil and Belleville springs to apply operation reaction force, and incorporates a hydraulic pressure sensor for operation amount detection, allowing for flexible arrangement and reduced size of the reaction force applying means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple springs are arranged in series to create operation load, then the clutch lever can be mechanically connected to the clutch device, but the reaction force applying means becomes large and interferes with peripheral parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reaction force generation into multiple independent reaction force generation cylinders (first, second, third cylinders) arranged in parallel. Each cylinder contains its own spring (coil spring or Belleville spring) and generates reaction force independently. This segmentation allows the total reaction force to be distributed across multiple smaller units rather than requiring one large series arrangement, reducing the overall footprint and interference with peripheral parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction force generation cylinders are arranged in parallel (side-by-side) rather than in series (end-to-end). This dimensional reconfiguration changes the spatial arrangement from a linear series layout to a parallel layout, effectively utilizing space in a different direction and reducing the length of the reaction force applying means in the operational direction while maintaining the required reaction force magnitude.
2Ease of operation
If multiple springs are arranged in series, then the clutch system can generate operation load, but the arrangement freedom is reduced due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reaction force generation into multiple independent cylinders that can be arranged in parallel, the system gains flexibility in spatial configuration. Each cylinder-module can be positioned independently, allowing adaptation to various mounting spaces and peripheral component layouts, thereby increasing arrangement freedom while maintaining operational load generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction force generation cylinders are designed with universal applicability - they can be arranged in parallel configurations and integrated with different clutch lever designs. The standardized cylinder design with piston-rod mechanisms allows these components to serve multiple functions: generating reaction force, providing mechanical linkage, and accommodating different spring types (coil or Belleville) for various load requirements.
3Force
If a large reaction force is applied to the clutch lever, then the clutch device can be driven effectively, but the periphery of reaction force applying means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total reaction force is segmented and generated by multiple parallel cylinders rather than one large cylinder. Each cylinder generates a portion of the total force, allowing the force to be distributed across multiple smaller components. This reduces the periphery of each individual component and the overall bounding box of the reaction force applying means while maintaining the cumulative force output.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple reaction force generation cylinders are merged in parallel to achieve the total required reaction force. By combining the output forces of several smaller cylinders arranged side-by-side, the system achieves the necessary total force magnitude while keeping each individual cylinder compact, thus reducing the overall periphery compared to a single large-force generator.
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 for a more natural operation feel similar to mechanical systems, with enhanced freedom in arrangement, reduced cost, and stable operation load settings, while preventing interference with peripheral parts.
Implementation Method 1
uses a spring as a reaction force generation source
Implementation Method 2
each of the multiple reaction force generation cylinders (21, 26, 21′, 26′, 31, 41) accommodates a spring (23, 28, 23′, 28′, 33, 43)
Implementation Method 3
incorporates a hydraulic pressure sensor for operation amount detection
Data Source
AI summary
To downsize the periphery of reaction force applying device of a clutch controller, and set operation load more freely, in a clutch control system that links the clutch controller and a clutch device electrically, an operation reaction force is applied to a clutch lever, from reaction force applying device that uses a spring as a reaction force generation source; the reaction force applying device includes multiple reaction force generation cylinders arranged parallel to one another; and the clutch lever has an input/output arm, which extends toward an input/output part of each of the multiple reaction force generation cylinders from the vicinity of a lever support shaft, to allow transmission of operating force and reaction force between the clutch lever and the reaction force applying device.