Radial Control-Member Clutch Assembly for Compact Torque Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch assemblies in vehicle drive trains lack a compact and efficient mechanism for controlling the coupling and decoupling of torque transmission between shafts, which is essential for flexible and efficient power distribution.
Innovation Solution
The proposed clutch assembly incorporates a slider sleeve and control members that are actuated by the slider sleeve to control a coupling device, allowing for compact integration and efficient control of torque transmission between shafts. This design enables the clutch assembly to function as a disconnect clutch with a switchable freewheel device, providing extended functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If control members are integrated within the slider sleeve, then the clutch assembly achieves a compact form factor, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control members are integrated within the slider sleeve structure, with control member bores formed in the slider sleeve and control members disposed within these bores. This nesting arrangement allows the control mechanism to be housed within the existing slider sleeve volume, achieving a compact form factor while maintaining functional complexity through careful internal arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating component for axial displacement and as the housing structure for the control members. The control members themselves perform dual functions by being both structural elements and actuating elements for the coupling device. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of separate components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch assembly is designed as a disconnect clutch with switchable freewheel device, then functionality is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly incorporates a switchable freewheel device that can dynamically change its state between locked and unlocked conditions. The coupling device can be actuated to switch between different operational modes (direct coupling and freewheel operation), allowing the system to adapt its mechanical characteristics based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: the slider sleeve assembly, the control members, the coupling device, and the freewheel device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility through their coordinated interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly includes a main rotational axis, a first clutch partner and a second clutch partner, a plurality of control members and a slider sleeve. The plurality of control members are arranged to control a coupling device, and the coupling device arranged to couple the first clutch partner and the second clutch partner. The slider sleeve is coaxially displaceable with respect to the first clutch partner and the second clutch partner to actuate the plurality of control members. The plurality of control members is arranged on a radial inside of the slider sleeve and displaceable in a radial direction relative to the main rotational axis.