What is the working principle of an automotive clutch?
2 Answers
The working principle of an automotive clutch is that 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. When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the diaphragm spring's large end drives the pressure plate to move backward through mechanical transmission, causing the driven part to separate from the driving part. Functions of an automotive clutch: 1. Ensuring smooth vehicle starting; 2. Facilitating gear shifting; 3. Preventing overload in the transmission system; 4. Reducing torsional vibration impact. The automotive clutch is located inside the flywheel housing between the engine and the gearbox, and it can be categorized into friction clutches, hydraulic torque converters, and electromagnetic clutches.
When I first started driving, the clutch seemed quite mysterious to me. It was only later that I understood its working principle is to help control the power transfer between the engine and the transmission. When you press the clutch pedal, it acts like a disconnect button—the clutch disc separates from the flywheel, interrupting the power flow, allowing the car to shift gears or come to a stop while the engine keeps running. Releasing the pedal causes the pressure plate to press the clutch disc against the flywheel, re-engaging the power, and the car moves forward. This mechanism is most commonly used in manual transmission cars. When driving, I have to be especially careful with the pedal pressure, particularly in traffic jams or when starting, as improper control can wear out the clutch disc, leading to difficulty in shifting gears or even slippage. I still remember during my last maintenance check, the technician mentioned that the clutch disc wears thin over time and needs replacement; otherwise, unstable power transmission could affect acceleration performance. Regularly checking the clutch fluid level and monitoring its operation feel can prevent major issues. Thanks to it, I can maneuver flexibly in the city.
