Segmented Clutch Plate Layout for Variable Engine Braking Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission apparatuses have a low degree of flexibility in setting the angles of cam surfaces for back torque transmission, making it difficult to freely change transmission capacity during engine brake application without affecting acceleration.
Innovation Solution
The power transmission apparatus includes a second clutch member with a divider that divides the clutch plates into regions, allowing the transmission capacity to be freely changed during engine brake application by adjusting the pressing forces on different regions of the clutch plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cam surface angles for back torque transmission are fixed, then the structure is simple, but the transmission capacity cannot be freely changed during engine brake application
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch plates are divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different numbers of driving and driven clutch plates. This segmentation allows different transmission capacities to be achieved by selectively engaging different regions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the clutch plates have different local properties - specifically different numbers of driving and driven plates. The first region has a first number of plates, the second region has a second number, and the third region has a third number. This local quality variation enables flexible transmission capacity adjustment without changing the overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of driving and driven clutch plates is changed to adjust transmission capacity, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is segmented into multiple regions with different plate configurations. By dividing the clutch plates into first, second, and third regions with different numbers of driving and driven plates, the system achieves multiple transmission capacity levels without requiring complete redesign of the clutch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions through its segmented structure. The same basic clutch assembly can provide different transmission capacities for different operating conditions (acceleration vs. engine brake application) by selectively engaging different regions, making the device universal rather than requiring separate mechanisms 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
This solution enables the power transmission apparatus to freely change transmission capacity during engine brake application without affecting transmission capacity during acceleration, improving flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a weight member that is movable from a radially inner position to a radially outer position of the groove portion by a centrifugal force due to rotation of the clutch housing
Implementation Method 2
a back torque transmission cam having cam surfaces that are capable of, when the pressure member is located at the non-operating position, moving the second clutch member so as to press the driving and driven clutch plates against each other
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a power transmission apparatus that is able to freely change transmission capacity during application of an engine brake without any change in transmission capacity during acceleration. A second clutch member (4b) includes a divider (4bb) dividing driving clutch plates (6a to 6c) and driven clutch plates (7a to 7c) in an axial direction such that a first region (α) adjacent to a pressure member (5) and a second region (β) adjacent to a centrifugal clutch means (9) are defined. The second clutch member (4b) presses the driving clutch plates (6a to 6c) and the driven clutch plates (7a to 7c) in the first region (α) and the second region (β) against each other during operation of the centrifugal clutch means (9), and presses the driving clutch plates (6a, 6b) and the driven clutch plates (7a, 7b) in the first region (α) against each other during operation of a back torque transmission cam.