Pneumatic Annular Piston Clutch for Vehicle Air Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic systems for vehicles have bulky friction clutches that hinder a compact configuration and efficient control of the clutch device, leading to increased fuel consumption and wear on the air compressor.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic system utilizing an annular piston to control the axial position of the clutch means, allowing for a compact configuration and easy pneumatic regulation, with a valve arrangement that enables compressed air flow control and reduces friction during synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a friction clutch is used to control the air compressor, then the compressor can be disengaged from the combustion engine, but the clutch device becomes relatively bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction clutch with a synchromesh clutch actuated by a pneumatic piston. The piston is moved by pressure differences created by compressed air supplied through a control valve, eliminating the need for bulky friction discs while achieving reliable engagement and disengagement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the friction-based mechanical clutch system with a synchromesh clutch mechanism that uses pneumatic actuation. This replacement reduces the physical size of the clutch device while maintaining the ability to control compressor engagement and disengagement.
2Device complexity
If the clutch means is moved axially by a clutch fork, then the clutch device structure is simple, but the control of linear movements becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic piston instead of a mechanical clutch fork to control the axial movement of the clutch means. The piston's position is controlled by regulating compressed air pressure, which simplifies the mechanical structure while providing precise and easy control of linear movements through pneumatic pressure regulation.
3Reliability
If the air compressor is constantly connected to the combustion engine, then the compressor is always available, but fuel consumption increases and wear on the compressor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic clutch system that can engage and disengage the air compressor from the combustion engine based on operational needs. The synchromesh clutch with pneumatic actuation allows the compressor to be connected only when compressed air is needed, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining reliability through rapid engagement capability.
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 system achieves a compact and functionally simple clutch device with reduced friction and energy consumption, enabling efficient control of the air compressor's operation and minimizing wear, thereby improving fuel efficiency and extending compressor lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The piston means (50) is movable axially by the action of the fluid pressure in an annular pressure chamber (51) which cooperates with the piston means (50)
Implementation Method 2
a synchronising element (40) adapted to responding to movement of the clutch means (25) from the disengagement position towards the engagement position by blocking the axial movement of the clutch means (25) and preventing the clutch means (25) from being coupled for joint rotation with the driving element (24) before synchronised rotation has been achieved
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clutch device comprising: - a clutch housing (21), - first and second driving elements (22, 24) rotatable relative to the clutch housing, - an axially movable clutch means (25) adapted to allowing driving connection of the first driving element to the second driving element and disengagement of the first driving element from the second driving element, - a synchronisation element (40) cooperating with the clutch means and the second driving element, and - an annular piston means (50) movable axially relative to the clutch housing under the action of the fluid pressure in a pressure chamber (51) which cooperates with the piston means, the clutch means (25) being coupled to the piston means in such a way that it is rotatable relative to the piston means and adapted to accompanying the piston means in axial movement of the latter. The invention relates also to a pneumatic system comprising such a clutch device.