Twin Clutch Shared Outer Member Groove Width Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In twin clutch apparatuses, the increased length of a shared clutch outer member leads to larger clearances between groove portions and protruding portions, resulting in increased force and sound due to impact between the clutch outer member and friction plates, which compromises performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
The twin clutch apparatus features a shared clutch outer member with groove portions that widen towards the open-end side, and friction plates with protruding portions of varying widths, ensuring appropriate clearance and enhanced durability by adjusting the width of protruding portions to match the widened groove portions, with thicker plates for clutches connected to the first speed gear train for improved durability under heavy loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single common clutch outer member is shared by a pair of clutches, then the number of components is reduced, but the length of the clutch outer member in the axial direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two clutch assemblies into a single integrated unit by having both clutches share a common clutch outer member. This consolidation reduces the total number of components while maintaining the functional integrity of both clutches through careful design of the shared outer member structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the two clutches side by side on the same axial line, utilizing the radial dimension to accommodate both clutches within a compact axial footprint. This dimensional arrangement allows the shared clutch outer member to serve both clutches without excessive axial length increase.
2Length of stationary object
If the clutch outer member has an elongated longitudinal dimension, then it can accommodate both clutches, but the clearance between the groove portion and protruding portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different width dimensions to different portions of the groove portions along the axial direction. The groove portions have varying widths to precisely match the corresponding protruding portions of each clutch, ensuring optimal clearance control at each local position rather than using a uniform width throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the width parameter of the groove portions at different axial positions to optimize the clearance characteristics. By changing the width parameter locally, the design achieves precise fit control for each clutch while accommodating the elongated structure needed for twin clutch configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the groove portion has a tapered shape with width increasing towards the open-end side, then it facilitates core pulling out, but the clearance near the open-end side becomes largest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different width dimensions to different portions of the groove portions along the axial direction. The groove portions have varying widths to precisely match the corresponding protruding portions of each clutch, ensuring optimal clearance control at each local position rather than using a uniform width throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric groove portion designs where the width varies non-uniformly along the axial direction. This asymmetric configuration allows the groove to facilitate core removal while controlling clearance distribution, with the wider section positioned to accommodate the specific clutch requirements rather than following a symmetric tapered pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A twin clutch apparatus includes a first clutch, a second clutch, and a clutch outer member shared by the first and second clutches. The clutch outer member has groove portions formed therein having a width that gradually increases towards an open-end side of the clutch outer member. A width of each protruding portion formed in friction plates of the second clutch disposed towards the open-end side of the clutch outer member is greater than a width of each protruding portion formed in friction plates of the first clutch disposed towards a closed-end side of the clutch outer member. The twin clutch apparatus, during operation thereof, is operable to control a clearance between groove portions of the clutch outer member and protruding portions of friction plates within a desirable range, to reduce force and sound produced by an impact between the clutch outer member and the friction plates.