Torque Limiter Drainage Grooves for Stable Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters in hybrid vehicles face instability in friction characteristics due to water accumulation on the inner peripheral surface of the friction member, leading to unpredictable performance.
Innovation Solution
The torque limiter incorporates a friction mechanism with annular-shaped friction members and a pressure plate featuring drainage grooves that extend radially, allowing water to be discharged from the inner peripheral surface of the friction members, thereby preventing accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure plate and friction member are in close contact to ensure frictional torque transmission, then the torque limiting function is improved, but water accumulates on the inner peripheral surface of the friction member causing unstable friction characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface of the pressure plate is segmented into multiple drainage grooves that divide the surface into separate regions. These grooves create pathways for water to escape while maintaining sufficient contact area between the pressure plate and friction member for effective torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage grooves act as an intermediary structure between the pressure plate and friction member. They provide a controlled interface that allows water to be discharged while maintaining the necessary frictional contact, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of water removal and frictional engagement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drainage grooves are added to the pressure plate to discharge water, then water accumulation is prevented, but the contact area between pressure plate and friction member is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage grooves are strategically positioned in specific local regions of the pressure plate where they can effectively discharge water without significantly compromising the overall contact area. The grooves are designed with specific dimensions and spacing to optimize the balance between water discharge and frictional contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage grooves occupy only a partial portion of the pressure plate surface, providing sufficient water discharge capability while maintaining adequate contact area. The design uses a moderate number of grooves with appropriate spacing to achieve the necessary water removal without excessive reduction of contact area.
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 configuration effectively stabilizes the friction characteristics of the friction members by preventing water accumulation, ensuring consistent performance and reliability in torque limiting applications.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of first drainage grooves radially extend... when accumulating on the inner peripheral surface of the first friction member, water can be discharged to the outside through the plurality of first drainage grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiter includes a friction mechanism, a pressure plate, a first side plate, an urging member, and a second side plate. The friction mechanism includes a first friction member and a second friction member. The pressure plate includes a first contact surface and a plurality of first drainage grooves. The first contact surface is a surface that makes contact with the first friction member. The first drainage grooves radially extend. The second side plate includes a second contact surface that makes contact with the second friction member. The second side plate is disposed on a second side with respect to the second friction member in an axial direction. The second side plate is attached to the first side plate to be unitarily rotated therewith.