Rotating Clutch Pack Assembly Axial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple speed planetary gear-type transmissions experience compromised shift quality, quickness, and feel due to spline connection lock and end play between members, necessitating an improved rotating clutch pack assembly for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
A rotating clutch pack assembly is designed with interconnecting members, friction discs, axial bearings, and a biasing member, where the biasing member applies a force to maintain axial alignment and reduce spin losses, and the axial bearings facilitate direct axial load transfer to the transmission housing, ensuring efficient rotation and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional clutch pack assembly with spline connections is used, then the transmission can achieve basic shifting function, but shift quality and quickness are compromised due to spline connection lock and end play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful spline connection lock and end play from the clutch pack assembly by using a rotating member with bearings that directly connect the friction discs to the transmission housing, removing the intermediate splined connections that cause the harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotating member with first and second bearings as an intermediary between the friction discs and the transmission housing, allowing the friction discs to rotate freely without the spline connection lock and end play that would otherwise be present in the assembly
2Loss of energy
If traditional clutch pack assembly is used, then the structure is relatively simple, but spin losses occur and axial alignment is not precise
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating member serves itself by incorporating bearings that enable the friction discs to rotate freely without external intervention, eliminating spin losses without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotational parameters of the friction discs by enabling them to rotate on the rotating member with bearings, transforming them from fixed or splined connections to free-rotating components, thereby eliminating spin losses
3Reliability
If axial bearings are added to facilitate direct axial load transfer, then axial alignment is maintained and friction is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the friction discs, provides bearings for free rotation, transfers axial loads directly to the housing, and maintains precise axial alignment, eliminating the need for separate components for each function
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 solution enhances shift quality and quickness by minimizing spin losses and maintaining precise axial alignment, thereby improving the overall performance of the transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
The first axial bearing is disposed between the clutch piston and the plurality of friction discs
Implementation Method 2
The second axial bearing is disposed between the plurality of friction discs and the transmission housing
Implementation Method 3
The biasing member applies a biasing force on the rotating member in an axial direction away from the interconnecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission having a rotating clutch pack assembly is provided, The rotating clutch pack having an interconnecting member, a plurality of friction discs, a rotating member, a first and a second axial bearing, and a biasing member. The interconnecting member is connected for common rotation with a member of the planetary gear set. The rotating member is connected to the second set of friction discs for common rotation. The first axial bearing is disposed between the clutch piston and the plurality of friction discs and the second axial bearing is disposed between the plurality of friction discs and the transmission housing. The biasing member is disposed between the interconnecting member and the rotating member. A clutch piston selectively applies an axial force through the first axial bearing, the plurality of friction discs, and the second axial bearing to the transmission housing.