Thrust Bearing Assembly Attachment via Integrated Connectors

Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of roller thrust bearings in clutch carrier assemblies is difficult, time-consuming, and costly, with existing fastening mechanisms obstructing the operation of the clutch carrier assembly.

Innovation Solution

A clutch carrier assembly design featuring circumferentially arranged access holes in the clutch carrier and axially extending connectors on the first thrust bearing that engage with receivers on the second thrust bearing, allowing for easy assembly without obstructing the clutch carrier assembly's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to attach thrust bearings to the clutch carrier, then the thrust bearings can be securely mounted, but the assembly becomes complex and the fastening mechanisms obstruct the operation of the clutch carrier assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mounting of thrust bearingsVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is integrated as part of the thrust bearing assembly, merging the fastening function with the bearing structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment to the clutch carrier through the access holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the thrust bearing and a fastening element that secures the bearing to the clutch carrier. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to attach thrust bearings to the clutch carrier, then the thrust bearings can be securely mounted, but the fastening mechanisms obstruct the operation of the clutch carrier assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mounting of thrust bearingsVSAvoidclutch carrier assembly operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is integrated as part of the thrust bearing assembly, merging the fastening function with the bearing structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment to the clutch carrier through the access holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate parts are assembled to form the clutch carrier assembly, then the assembly can be customized and configured, but the assembly process becomes difficult, time-consuming, and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly configuration flexibilityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is integrated as part of the thrust bearing assembly, merging the fastening function with the bearing structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment to the clutch carrier through the access holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is pre-formed as part of the thrust bearing structure, with features such as tabs or lugs that are already positioned to engage with the clutch carrier. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex assembly operations during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10690195B2Thrust bearing assembly attachment

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A transmission assembly, for example a clutch carrier assembly including a clutch carrier, a first thrust bearing, and a second thrust bearing is provided with integrated assembly structures. A connector extends from a race of the first thrust bearing, through the clutch carrier, and engages a receiver on a race of the second thrust bearing.