Automotive flywheel with fins to increase airflow through clutch, method of making same, and heat management method
US9482308B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T409/303752
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flywheel for use in an automobile between an engine and a clutch assembly is provided. The flywheel is a circular member having an engine side and an opposite clutch side. An aperture is formed in the circular member having an axis, and the aperture is used to operatively attach the flywheel to the engine. A plurality of clutch fins and/or grooves are formed on the clutch side adjacent the outer edge of the circular member and spaced radially about the axis of the aperture of the flywheel. The clutch fins have a face that is generally coplanar with the clutch side of the circular member. The fins and grooves work to cool the internal components of the engine. Optionally, a second set of grooves and fins may be formed on the engine side of the flywheel to further aid in cooling the clutch disc and other engine components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.