US 2022/0010846 A1 · METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses can be used to adjust the torque transfer capacity and improve the overall performance and longevity of a clutch assembly. Through the use of various improved clutch components disclosed herein, it is possible to: (1) increase clutch apply forces through an increase in the fluid pressure apply surface area, or piston reaction area, of a clutch piston, thereby increasing frictional forces generated within a clutch pack for transferring input torque from a drive shaft to a driven shaft; (2) improve clutch plate contact conditions through a more rigid clutch pressure plate configuration, thereby reducing clutch pack/plate distortion and supporting structure deformation and/or wear that can otherwise lead to excessive heat generation and overall clutch performance degradation and/or failure; and/or (3) improve the clutch assembly's ability to dissipate and/or tolerate heat generated through clutch plate friction by means of an improved clutch pack configuration.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A kit for modifying effective piston reaction area in an OEM clutch assembly disposed in an OEM housing, wherein the OEM clutch assembly is formed around a shaft axis and comprises an annular clutch retainer with an inner annular piston sealing surface, an outer annular piston sealing surface, the sealing surfaces aligned with the shaft axis, and a first annular clutch piston having an effective piston reaction area defined between an inner seal mating with the inner annular piston sealing surface and an outer seal mating with the outer annular piston sealing surface, the kit comprising:

a sleeve with a first annular thickness, an inner annular diameter, and an outer annular diameter, wherein the inner annular diameter is configured and dimensioned to be positioned against the outer annular piston sealing surface and the outer annular diameter comprises a new outer annular piston sealing surface;
and
a replacement annular clutch piston having an enlarged effective piston reaction area defined between the inner seal and an outer seal configured to mate with the new outer annular piston sealing surface on the sleeve.

A method of modifying effective piston reaction area in an OEM clutch assembly acting on an OEM clutch pack disposed in an OEM housing, wherein the OEM clutch assembly is formed around a shaft axis and comprises an annular clutch retainer with an inner annular piston sealing surface, an outer annular piston sealing surface, the sealing surfaces aligned with the shaft axis, and a first annular clutch piston having an effective piston reaction area defined between an inner seal mating with the inner annular piston sealing surface and an outer seal mating with the outer annular piston sealing surface, the method comprising:

removing the first annular clutch piston;
and
installing an adapter sleeve around the first outer annular piston sealing surface, wherein said sleeve has a first annular thickness, an inner annular diameter, and an outer annular diameter, with the inner annular diameter is configured and dimensioned to be positioned against the outer annular piston sealing surface and the outer annular diameter forming a new outer annular piston sealing surface;
and installing a replacement annular clutch piston over said adapter sleeve and annular clutch retainer, wherein said replacement annular clutch piston having an enlarged effective piston reaction area defined between the inner seal and an outer seal configured to mate with the new outer annular piston sealing surface on the adapter sleeve.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparatuses for clutch assembly performance enhancement

Life of this patent

Methods and apparatuses for clutch assembly performance enhancement

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20