What is the working principle of a clutch?
2 Answers
The working principle of a clutch is: 1. The torque generated by the engine is transmitted to the driven plate through the friction between the flywheel, pressure plate, and the contact surface of the driven plate. 2. When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the diaphragm spring's large end moves the pressure plate backward through mechanical transmission, separating the driven part from the driving part. 3. During driving, the driver can depress or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission. Additional information: The clutch is a common component in mechanical transmission systems, allowing the drivetrain to be separated or engaged at any time.
I've been driving manual transmission for ten years, and the clutch is essentially the switch that connects and disconnects engine power. When you press the clutch pedal, the pressure plate pushes the clutch disc away from the flywheel, acting like a pause button—the engine idles but power doesn't reach the wheels. This operation protects the transmission gears during gear shifts. Releasing the clutch allows the pressure plate spring to press the clutch disc back against the flywheel, transmitting power through the transmission to the tires. The half-clutch (slipping clutch) state is most commonly used when starting—the pressure plate isn't fully engaged, so power transfers gradually like dripping water, preventing the car from lurching forward. I remember stalling a lot when I first started driving because I released the clutch too quickly, failing to control the power delivery.
