Rotary Coupling Clutch Fluid Extraction for AWD Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In all-wheel drive vehicles with transversely mounted front engines, rotary couplings using hydraulic clutches for torque transmission suffer from parasitic losses due to unintended partial engagement when disengaged, leading to inefficiencies in power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A rotary coupling design featuring a housing with a movable clutch and lubrication valve, actuated by a single mechanism, which controls fluid supply to the clutch area, allowing precise engagement and disengagement to manage torque transfer and reduce parasitic losses by regulating fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hydraulic fluid is present within the clutch pack to lubricate and cool the clutch during engagement, then the clutch is properly lubricated and cooled, but unintended partial engagement occurs when disengaged causing parasitic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic fluid from the clutch pack area when the clutch is disengaged. A valve mechanism is employed to drain the fluid from the clutch pack, removing the source of unintended partial engagement while maintaining lubrication during engagement. This extraction principle directly resolves the contradiction by eliminating parasitic losses without compromising cooling during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of hydraulic fluid presence in the clutch pack. The valve mechanism dynamically adjusts fluid flow based on clutch engagement state, allowing fluid presence during engagement for lubrication/cooling and fluid removal during disengagement to prevent parasitic losses. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the system state to operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a clutch is used to connect and disconnect torque transmission, then torque transfer control is achieved, but parasitic losses occur due to unintended partial engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hydraulic fluid from the clutch pack when disengaged to eliminate the cause of partial engagement. This extraction of fluid ensures complete clutch disengagement while maintaining ease of operation through the valve mechanism that controls fluid flow based on engagement state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a valve mechanism that responds to clutch engagement state to control hydraulic fluid flow. This feedback mechanism ensures that fluid is present during engagement for proper operation and removed during disengagement to prevent parasitic losses, maintaining both ease of operation and energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If hydraulic fluid is supplied continuously to the clutch area, then lubrication is maintained, but parasitic losses increase due to unintended partial engagement when disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fluid supply control through a valve mechanism that adjusts hydraulic fluid flow based on clutch engagement state. Fluid is supplied during engagement for reliable lubrication and drained during disengagement to prevent parasitic losses, resolving the contradiction between maintaining lubrication reliability and preventing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic fluid supply to the clutch pack, alternating between fluid presence during engagement for lubrication and fluid removal during disengagement. This periodic action maintains reliability during operation while eliminating parasitic losses during idle states.
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 design enhances torque control and reduces parasitic losses by ensuring precise engagement and disengagement of the clutch, improving power delivery efficiency and reducing unwanted energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fluid within the clutch is utilized to lubricate and cool the clutch pack
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic fluid within the clutch is utilized to lubricate and cool the clutch pack
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary coupling (200) for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a housing (210), an input part (212), an output part (214), and a clutch (220) disposed within a clutch area (222) of the housing (210) and is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to change an amount of torque transferred from the input part (212) to the output part (214). A fluid reservoir (260) is defined in the housing (210). A lubrication valve (250) is movable between an open position and a closed position for controlling supply of a fluid from the fluid reservoir (260) to the clutch area (222) of the housing (210). An actuator (238) is connected to the clutch (220) to move the clutch (220) between the engaged position and the disengaged position and connected to the lubrication valve (250) to move the lubrication valve (250) between the open position and the closed position.