Wet Friction Plate Separation Structure for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Friction engaging devices with existing technologies face issues of drag phenomenon due to frictional resistance between friction plates in the disengaged state, leading to unnecessary torque, which is not effectively addressed by complex structures requiring numerous components and assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A wet friction engaging device with a simple structure that includes two connecting members, a plate group of alternately arranged friction plates, a regulator plate, and springs that apply a biasing force to separate the end plates, maintaining them at a larger distance to reduce drag phenomenon, thereby stabilizing the operation and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wave springs or spring clips are used to separate friction plates, then the friction plates are stably separated in the disengaged state, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separation function with the existing end plate structure by adding a simple protrusion that engages with the regulator plate, merging multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate wave springs or spring clips for each friction plate
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion structure on the end plate automatically engages with the regulator plate to maintain separation in the disengaged state without requiring additional active components, allowing the structure to serve its own separation function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wave springs or spring clips are attached to each friction plate, then drag phenomenon is reduced, but the cost for members and number of assembling steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the drag reduction function into the end plate and regulator plate assembly by using a simple protrusion engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for numerous separate spring components and reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion structure uses simple, inexpensive geometric features on existing plates rather than costly specialized spring components, achieving the same functional effect at lower material and manufacturing cost
3Reliability
If a large number of spring components are used, then friction plates are properly separated, but the burden of assembling work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separation function into the end plate-regulator plate assembly using a protrusion engagement mechanism, reducing the number of discrete components that need to be individually assembled and significantly reducing assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the separation function into the protrusion feature on the end plate and the corresponding engagement feature on the regulator plate, allowing for simpler, more modular assembly compared to attaching individual springs to each friction plate
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
The solution effectively reduces drag phenomenon in the disengaged state, enhancing fuel efficiency and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining stable operation with a balanced and reduced component count.
Implementation Method 1
a spring attached between an end plate at the other end of the plate group and the regulator plate to apply a biasing force in the axial direction to separate the regulator plate from the end plate
Implementation Method 2
These friction plates are pressed into close contact with each other to connect the hub and the drum to each other
Implementation Method 3
lubricating oil (ATF) is supplied during the use of the friction engaging device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a wet friction engaging device. The device includes: a plate group engaged with two connecting members and including two groups of friction plates housed in a plate housing chamber and alternately arranged; and a spring attached between a spring plate and an end plate. The plate group is switched between an engaged state in which the friction plates are in close contact with each other, and a disengaged state in which the friction plates are separable from each other. The spring plate is fixed to the end plate.