Request for Proposals – Development Partner for Next-Generation Clutch Technologies

The client is paying attention to the breakthrough of an electric clutch technology, and potentially apply such a technology to future electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles (HVs). Substituting such a fundamental components as a clutch with a completely novel technology would be extremely challenging in automotive applications. Hence, the client wishes to explore technologies worth mid- to long-term development efforts.
Minimizing the energy loss is a common target in new clutch development, regardless of application field. Moreover, novel clutches are developed more actively for robotic and aerospace applications, since more design freedom is allowed compared to automobile applications. To seek a development partner from various area of expertise, the client has issued this open call.

Development goal of the anticipated clutch

• Able to achieve performance and functionalities equivalent to those of existing hydraulic clutches
  • Engagement torque: 1,000 Nm
  • Relative rotation speed: Up to 10,000 rpm (during disengagement)
  • Drag torque: 0.05 Nm or less @ 1,500 rpm
  • Able to linearly control torque capacity
• Able to significantly save energy loss compared to existing hydraulic clutches
  • Required energy for engagement: 30 W
  • Sustaining energy during engagement / disengagement: The smaller the better
• Able to be embedded into a space equivalent to or smaller than a space for existing hydraulic clutches
  • Outer diameter of 180 mm or less; volume of 0.6 L or less

Proposers that possess novel clutch technologies leading, in principle, to a substantial energy saving, and are eager to pursue the development goal together with the client are highly welcomed.

Anticipated approaches include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Functional fluid clutches
  • Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutches
  • Electrorheological fluid (ERF) clutches
• Magnetic particle clutches
• Electromagnetic friction clutches
• Electrostatic absorption clutches

Responses will use the Proposal Template which is linked to the “attachments” shown at the bottom of the link and include the following items:

• Overview of the technology (principle and structure)
• Advantages of the technology (superiority to existing technologies)
• Development stage (concept level/laboratory verification/field demonstration/implemented in practical use)
• Availability of demonstration: Available/not available
• Current applications and past achievements: Automobiles/robots/aerospace/others (     )
• Performance of the current technology (Please fill in the blank as far as possible)
  • Engagement torque
    • Required energy for engagement
    • Required energy  during disengagement
  • Relative rotation speed
  • Drag torque
  • Torque controllability: Linearly controllable/step-by-step control (      ) steps/others ( )
  • Size
• Challenges and development plan to achieve the ultimate goal
• Anticipated collaboration style and requests to the client

The client will review submitted proposals and possibly ask clarifying questions before selecting the most suitable candidate(s) for collaboration.
The client will select the best candidate(s) through evaluations. During the selection process, the client may execute non-disclosure agreement(s) (NDA) with selected respondent(s), seek further information disclosure, and discuss specific development targets or potential opportunities. The client will execute necessary agreement(s) with the selected respondent(s) and move to the project execution phase.
Specifics of any collaboration will be determined through consultation with the concerned parties.