192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutch and brake – Vehicle type
Patent
1989-10-25
1990-11-06
Lorence, Richard
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutch and brake
Vehicle type
192 85CA, 192103F, 192 0072, B60K 4124, F16D 6704
Patent
active
049678841
ABSTRACT:
An improved hydraulic clutch engagement system for use in a drag racing motor vehicle provides automatic engagement of the clutch for launching the car at the start of a race, without sacrificing manual control of the clutch necessary for power staging the car at the starting line prior to the race. A clutch assembly is movable between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein the car is driven when the clutch assembly is engaged. A slave cylinder is mounted adjacent to the clutch assembly. Main and return fluid lines extend between and flowingly connect the slave cylinder to a master cylinder. A pedal is operatively connected to the master cylinder for manually controlling the clutch assembly through displacement of a hydraulic fluid. A normally-closed solenoid valve is incorporated into the return line. A push button activated control device automatically electrically controls movement of the solenoid valve between its closed and open positions, and simultaneously controls locking and release of the vehicle brakes, respectively. Before the race, the brakes are locked and the clutch is disengaged due to the presence of hydraulic fluid in the slave cylinder caused by depressing the clutch pedal. When the race start is signalled, the push button is released which automatically disengages the brakes and opens the solenoid valve to release the fluid through the return line, which automatically relieves the hydraulic pressure in the slave cylinder causing the clutch assembly to engage, without removing manual control of the clutch assembly from the vehicle driver.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4664240 (1987-05-01), Majima et al.
patent: 4779713 (1988-10-01), Tomala et al.
Lorence Richard
Pitts Andrea
Ram Automotive of South Carolina, Inc.
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