Schaeffler Group USA Inc. · USA

Developing the modified SAC II concept is a solution for further reducing the actuation forces and/or optimising the actuation force curve. With this clutch type, the performance curve of the force sensor has altered to such a degree that the clutch is less sensitive to large actuation strokes. This situation is achieved through diaphragm springs with degressive performance curves and a sensor diaphragm spring with linear performance curve, which engages with the main diaphragm spring above the centre of motion. In many cases, this sensor diaphragm spring can also be formed directly from the diaphragm spring in the shape of sensor reeds. This eliminates the need for the entire sensor diaphragm spring. The SAC II can reduce actuation force by up to 15%, sustaining the same transferable torque. Alternatively, the maximum actuation force can be left at the original level and the potential derived for optimising the performance curve can be utilized.