singleplate

Singleplate refers to a class of clutch systems in which torque is transmitted from an engine to a driven shaft through a single friction disc located between a flywheel and a pressure plate. The term is commonly used in automotive and motorcycle engineering and is often written as single-plate clutch or simply singleplate.

In a typical dry single-plate clutch, one friction disc with friction material on both faces sits between the flywheel and a pressure plate. When the release mechanism is actuated, the pressure plate moves away from the disc, breaking contact and stopping torque transfer; when released, springs or a diaphragm apply force to clamp the disc against the flywheel, re-establishing torque transmission. Actuation methods can be mechanical, hydraulic, or electric, depending on the design.

Applications and use cases: Singleplate clutches are widely used in manual transmissions for passenger cars and motorcycles due to their compactness, light weight, and straightforward construction. They are also found in some light trucks and performance vehicles where a simple, direct engagement is desirable.

Advantages and limitations: The primary advantages are simplicity, lower cost, and a direct, linear feel during engagement. Limitations include torque capacity that grows slowly with disc diameter and potential heat buildup from slip, which can limit continuous use under high-torque conditions. Wear of the friction material requires periodic inspection and replacement. For very high-torque applications, alternative designs such as multi-plate clutches may be preferred.

Variants of singleplate clutch can be dry or wet, with wet configurations using lubrication to aid heat dissipation in some specialized designs.