Multi-Layer Wet Friction Material Bonding for Material Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing multi-layer wet-running friction materials face challenges in simplifying the production process by independently manufacturing the underlayer and toplayer from different materials before bonding them together, which are not restricted by the multi-layer process.

Innovation Solution

The method involves manufacturing the underlayer and toplayer separately using different materials, then bonding them together using temperature and pressure in a continuous or discontinuous process, with the interface designed to be either dense or porous, and utilizing a binder material to achieve a stable composite.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the underlayer and toplayer are manufactured independently from different materials before bonding, then material selection freedom and production flexibility are improved, but the bonding process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial selection freedomVSAvoidbonding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The friction material is divided into two independently manufactured layers (underlayer and toplayer) made from different materials, allowing each layer to be optimized separately for specific functions while maintaining production flexibility and material selection freedom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The underlayer and toplayer are pre-manufactured as separate entities with their respective material properties established before the bonding process, enabling independent optimization of each layer's composition and characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the interface between layers is designed to be porous, then fluid permeability is improved, but bonding strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid permeabilityVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The interface between layers is designed with specific local properties (porous or dense) depending on the functional requirements, allowing different regions of the multi-layer structure to have optimized characteristics for their specific purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach allows for greater freedom in material selection and production, resulting in a stable multi-layered friction material suitable for various automotive applications, such as dual-clutch transmissions and clutches, with improved bonding strength and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

bonding them together using temperature and pressure in a continuous or discontinuous process, with the interface designed to be either dense or porous, and utilizing a binder material to achieve a stable composite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

bonding them together using temperature and pressure in a continuous or discontinuous process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy: Heating

Implementation Method 3

bonding them together using temperature and pressure in a continuous or discontinuous process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3887143B1Method for producing a multi-layered wet friction material
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3887143B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3887143B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layered wet friction material (14) having at least one bottom layer (2) and at least one top layer (1), which are bonded to one another. To simplify the production of a multi-layered wet friction material (14), the bottom layer (2) and the top layer (1) are initially produced independently of one another from different materials, before the bottom layer (2) is connected to the top layer (1).