Hydraulic Launch Assist System : Actuation of Multiplate Hydraulic Clutch.

A typical HLA system has the following components :

HOW IT WORKS:

In the System shown above, we are working on designing an efficient Clutch Mechanism which fits the size constraints of the system, is capable of sustaining heavy loads, Actuates within the given Time constraint, Helps in making the system use Hybrid power source as and when required For this particular clutch, the actuation system is required to :

 Be able to apply a large amoutn of load (about 30,000N) Be able to work in a span of 0.3 sec Hence, in order fulfill all the requirements of the system mentioned above, The actuation system selected is THE HYDRAULIC ACTUATION SYSTEM. The system as a whole is currently under assumption basis.

I.

Selection of Fluid: The Fluid used for the system is Conventional DOT 3 Brake and Clutch fluid. The following are the properties of the fluid : a. Performance standards: (i) U.S. FEDERAL Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

b. Key Properties :

c. Benefits:

II.

Actuation :

Since the Fluid in the accumulator is under constant pressure and cannot be utilised for any other purpose as in case of a Series Hydraulic Hybrid,the Hydraulic Clutch Will require an additional master cylinder for storage of clutch fluid, and also connections likewise. The following components will be required: Master cylider Slave cylinder Piping Quantity of fluid based on its properties (mainly viscosity)

Also , sensors will be required to sense the braking and acceleration modes,thereby engaging and disengaging the system accordingly.

III.

Alternate system: If the vehicle to be retrofitted with HLA already has a conventional hyraulic clutch, the quantity of fluid in its master cylinder can be varied and utilised for out HLA Clutch as well.