Transfer Case Cooling Structure for Torque Clutch Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling structures for four-wheel-drive vehicles with torque-distribution-control friction clutches face challenges in efficiently cooling the transfer device, leading to decreased power transmission performance due to heat generation from friction.
Innovation Solution
A transfer cooling structure is designed with a tunnel part and insulator configuration that enhances air flow through a gap between the transmission and transfer cases, utilizing a cooling acceleration part and rectifying cover to improve airflow and reduce noise, while additional fins on the transfer case increase heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a friction clutch is provided for torque distribution control in the transfer device, then the four-wheel-drive vehicle can distribute driving force to both front and rear wheels, but the friction clutch generates heat by friction which decreases power transmission performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful heat generated by the friction clutch by introducing a dedicated cooling structure. The cooling structure includes a cooling air inlet positioned to blow air directly onto the friction clutch, separating the cooling function from the overall vehicle airflow system and targeting the specific heat source effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cooling air as an intermediary substance to transfer heat away from the friction clutch. The cooling air acts as a mediator between the heat source (friction clutch) and the external environment, carrying thermal energy away from the clutch through forced convection.
2Reliability
If cooling air is blown to the friction clutch to improve cooling performance, then the power transmission performance is maintained, but the cooling structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing vehicle body structure by integrating the cooling air inlet into the front bumper or body panel design. This combination approach allows the cooling system to utilize the vehicle's natural airflow during motion without requiring separate, complex cooling apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides cooling air to the friction clutch while also maintaining the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle front. The inlet structure can be integrated with other body components, allowing it to fulfill both cooling and structural/aerodynamic roles simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the insulator is positioned close to the transfer case to reduce noise, then noise reduction is improved, but the cooling airflow to the transfer device is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific gap region between the insulator and the transfer case that serves as an airflow channel. While the insulator maintains close proximity to the transfer case for noise reduction in most areas, a localized gap is preserved or created specifically in the region where cooling airflow needs to pass through, allowing both noise reduction and cooling to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator structure is segmented or designed with specific openings/gaps that separate the noise insulation function from the cooling airflow path. The insulator covers most surfaces of the transfer case for noise reduction but includes deliberate openings or maintains gaps in specific regions to allow cooling air to reach the friction clutch and transfer device components.
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 significantly improves the cooling performance of the transfer device, enhancing power transmission efficiency by increasing airflow and heat dissipation, thus addressing the heat-related performance issues.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling acceleration part provided to the insulator protruding toward the transfer case from the floor side... the cooling acceleration part increases a flow rate of traveling air
Implementation Method 2
the clutch generates heat by friction
Implementation Method 3
cooling of the powertrain by providing a guiding wall part defining a wind passage part... so as to guide air taken-in during a travel
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer cooling structure of a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a power source, a transmission, and a transfer device provided with a torque-distribution-control friction clutch, disposed in the order from forward of the vehicle. The structure includes a floor provided to the vehicle and having a tunnel part configured to cover a transmission case of the transmission and a transfer case of the transfer device from above, an insulator attached below the tunnel part to cover the transmission case and the transfer case while having a gap with respect to the transmission case and the transfer case, and a cooling acceleration part provided to the insulator protruding toward the transfer case from the floor side.