Clutches

Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 12

Clutches

By:
Jeremiah La Foucade
Ronaldo Boodoosingh
Avinash Baboolal
Kirk Ramtahal
Steffon Aurther
Christian Rampersadsingh
What is a clutch
• A clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the power transmission
between the engine and the gearbox of a vehicle, allowing the driver to control the
movement of the vehicle

• The clutch disc is a flat, circular plate that is coated with friction material on both sides,
and it is mounted between the flywheel and the pressure plate. The pressure plate applies
pressure to the clutch disc, causing it to engage with the flywheel when the clutch pedal
is released. The release bearing is used to move the pressure plate away from the clutch
disc when the clutch pedal is depressed, allowing the clutch to disengage.
Components of a clutch
The basic components of a clutch include:

1.Clutch Disc: The clutch disc is the primary component of the clutch assembly. It is a metal plate that is lined with a friction material on both sides.
The clutch disc is designed to transmit power from the engine to the transmission.

2.Pressure Plate: The pressure plate is a metal plate that is bolted to the flywheel. It uses a series of springs to apply pressure to the clutch disc, which
in turn transfers power from the engine to the transmission.

3.Flywheel: The flywheel is a large metal disc that is bolted to the engine's crankshaft. It provides a smooth and balanced surface for the clutch
assembly to mate with and is responsible for storing energy when the engine is running.

4.Release Bearing: The release bearing, also known as the throw-out bearing, is a small bearing that is mounted on a fork connected to the clutch
release mechanism. The release bearing applies pressure to the pressure plate to disengage the clutch when the driver presses the clutch pedal.

5.Clutch Fork: The clutch fork is a metal rod that is connected to the release bearing. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the clutch fork moves
the release bearing against the pressure plate, which in turn disengages the clutch.

6.Pilot Bearing/Bushing: The pilot bearing, is a small bearing that supports the transmission input shaft. It is usually located in the center of the
flywheel and helps to reduce wear on the transmission.
Purpose of a clutch
• The purpose of a clutch in a vehicle is to engage or disengage the power transmission
between the engine and the gearbox. The clutch allows the driver to start and stop the
vehicle smoothly, and to change gears while the vehicle is in motion.

• The clutch is an essential component of manual transmissions, which require the driver
to shift gears to control the vehicle's speed and direction. Without a clutch, the driver
would not be able to control the vehicle's movement or shift gears, and the vehicle
would not be able to move smoothly from a standstill.
What is a single clutch?
• A single clutch is a type of clutch that uses a single clutch disc to engage and disengage the power
transmission between the engine and the gearbox of a vehicle. It's the most common type of clutch used
in manual transmissions and is used in a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

• In a single clutch system, the clutch disc is located between the flywheel and the pressure plate, and it's
engaged or disengaged using the clutch pedal. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the release bearing
moves the pressure plate away from the clutch disc, disengaging the clutch and interrupting the power
flow from the engine to the gearbox. When the clutch pedal is released, the pressure plate moves back
towards the clutch disc, engaging the clutch and allowing the engine's power to be transferred to the
gearbox.

• Single disc clutches are simple and cost-effective compared to other types of clutches, making them the
most common type of clutch used in manual transmissions. However, they may not provide sufficient
holding power or durability for high-performance or heavy-duty applications.
What is a twin disc clutch
• In a twin disc clutch system, the two clutch discs are sandwiched between two pressure plates, which are located on each side of the
flywheel. The discs are typically smaller in diameter than the single clutch disc, which allows for a more compact design that can
handle higher torque loads. The two discs can also provide more surface area and friction material, allowing for more holding power
and better heat dissipation.

• Twin disc clutches typically use a hydraulic or pneumatic actuation system, which allows for more precise control over clutch
engagement and disengagement. This can help to reduce drivetrain shock and improve the smoothness of gear shifts. The actuation
system can also be used to adjust the clutch engagement point, allowing for better control over the vehicle's launch and acceleration.

• The main advantages of a twin disc clutch is its ability to handle high torque loads while maintaining smooth engagement and
disengagement. This makes it an ideal choice for high-performance vehicles that need to transfer a lot of power to the wheels.
However, twin disc clutches can be more expensive and complex than single clutches, and they may require more frequent
maintenance and adjustment.
operation of a single disc clutch
• When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the release bearing moves the pressure plate away
from the clutch disc, disengaging the clutch and interrupting the power flow from the
engine to the gearbox. When the driver releases the clutch pedal, the pressure plate moves
back towards the clutch disc, engaging the clutch and allowing the engine's power to be
transferred to the gearbox.

• To change gears, the driver must first press the clutch pedal, which disengages the clutch
and interrupts the power flow from the engine to the gearbox. The driver can then shift the
transmission into the desired gear, and release the clutch pedal gradually, engaging the
clutch and transferring power to the gearbox in the new gear.
What is the operation of a twin disc clutch?
• A twin disc works by effectively doubling the amount of frictional area used when connecting the engine to the drivetrain, which
doubles the amount of grip from the engine to the transmission (Same theory applies when people choose to use wider tires and rims,
they want a bigger "contact patch" with the road). There are many ways a clutch can be designed to increase grip from the engine to
the transmission, increasing the frictional area is only one them. Multi disc clutch setups are favorable (despite their high price)
because they offer more grip without necessarily increasing the clamping load of the pressure plate (which is very bad for the
crankshaft).

On a regular single disc setup, the friction disc rubs on the flywheel's face, and on the pressure plate's face (two frictional surfaces).
The frictional disc itself is connected to the transmission via the input shaft, and the flywheel and pressure plate are bolted together
(they are connected to the engine via the crankshaft).

On a twin disc setup, there is a center plate which rotates with the flywheel (effectively this center plate is an extension of the
flywheel). You can consider this plate to be a second flywheel. Sandwiched in between the two flywheels is the first friction disc. On
the other side of this center plate, there is the second friction disc. After the the second friction disc comes the face of the pressure
plate. Here is the order:

flywheel -> friction disc 1 -> center plate -> friction disc 2 -> pressure plate

This makes for a total 4 frictional faces (flywheel, two sides for the center plate, and the pressure plate). This is DOUBLE the amount
of frictional surface area than a single disc setup.
Difference of a Single vs Twin Disc
Clutches
• The main differences between a single disc clutch and a twin disc clutch are the number of clutch discs used and their ability to handle different levels of
torque. Here are some of the key differences:

1.Number of clutch discs: A single disc clutch uses one clutch disc to engage and disengage the transmission, while a twin disc clutch uses two clutch discs.

2.Torque capacity: Twin disc clutches are typically able to handle higher torque loads than single disc clutches, due to the increased surface area and friction
material provided by the second clutch disc. This makes twin disc clutches ideal for high-performance vehicles and heavy-duty applications.

3.Smoothness: Twin disc clutches generally offer smoother engagement and disengagement than single disc clutches, due to the hydraulic or pneumatic
actuation system that is often used with twin disc clutches. This reduces drivetrain shock and improves the smoothness of gear shifts.

4.Complexity: Twin disc clutches are generally more complex and expensive than single disc clutches, due to the additional components and higher
manufacturing costs. They may also require more frequent maintenance and adjustment.

5.Applications: Single disc clutches are commonly used in passenger cars, light trucks, and other vehicles that do not require high torque capacity. Twin disc
clutches are typically used in high-performance vehicles, racing cars, heavy-duty trucks, and other applications where high torque loads are present.
• In summary, single disc clutches are simple, cost-effective, and suitable for most passenger vehicles and light-duty applications. Twin disc clutches offer
higher torque capacity, smoother engagement, and better performance, but are more complex, expensive, and typically used in high-performance or heavy-
duty applications.
What is air shift system
• An air shift system is a type of pneumatic or air-powered actuation system that is commonly used in heavy-duty
vehicles and equipment, such as trucks, buses, and construction machinery, to shift gears in the transmission. The air
shift system works by using compressed air to activate a pneumatic cylinder or other device, which in turn moves the
gearshift lever to the desired position.

• The air shift system typically consists of a control valve, a pneumatic cylinder or actuator, and associated hoses,
fittings, and connectors. The control valve is usually located in the driver's cabin and is operated by the driver using a
lever or button. When the driver selects a gear, the control valve directs compressed air to the pneumatic cylinder,
which moves the gearshift lever to the desired position.

• One of the main advantages of an air shift system is that it provides a faster and smoother shifting action than a
manual or mechanical system, since it eliminates the need for the driver to physically engage and disengage the
clutch. This can result in less wear and tear on the clutch and transmission, and can also reduce driver fatigue and
improve safety.

• Air shift systems are commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, where they are able to handle high
torque loads and provide reliable and efficient shifting performance. They are also used in some performance and
racing applications, where they can provide faster and more precise gear changes than a manual or hydraulic system.
Operation of a air shift system
1. The driver selects the desired gear by operating a control valve, which directs compressed air to a pneumatic cylinder or actuator.
2. The pneumatic cylinder or actuator receives the compressed air and moves a gearshift lever to the desired position.
3. As the gearshift lever moves, it engages or disengages the clutch, depending on the gear selected.
4. Once the clutch is engaged or disengaged, power is transmitted from the engine to the transmission, allowing the vehicle to move.
5. The air shift system uses compressed air to actuate the gearshift lever, which eliminates the need for the driver to physically engage
and disengage the clutch. This can result in faster and smoother gear changes, reduced driver fatigue, and improved safety.
6. The air shift system is typically controlled by a pneumatic or electric control valve, which is operated by the driver using a lever,
button, or other control device. The control valve directs compressed air to a pneumatic cylinder or actuator, which moves the
gearshift lever to the desired position.
In some air shift systems, the pneumatic cylinder or actuator is integrated into the transmission, while in others it may be located
outside the transmission and connected to the gearshift lever using a linkage or other device.
Overall, the air shift system provides a reliable and efficient method of shifting gears in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, where high
torque loads and reliable performance are critical. It can also be used in some performance and racing applications, where it can provide
faster and more precise gear changes than a manual or hydraulic system.
AIR SHIFTER dual disc clutch

single disc clutch

You might also like