Automotives clutch

Operation: The transmission of power happens when one driving shaft (which is one contact with the crankshaft/flywheel) is brought into contact with another shaft which is being driven (The propeller shaft). This is made possible through the clutch and its supporting mechanism. The contact between the two shafts is brought about by applying strong spring loaded pressure through suitable linkage by a pedal operated by the driver.



The clutch basically consists of a clutch plate (or a series of them in larger vehicles) and a clutch assembly which is spring loaded in such a way that when the pedal is pressed, the release levels (as shown in the picture below) are pressed inward, which push against a set of springs that clamp this clutch plate to the flywheel of the engine, thereby releasing the clutch plate. This causes the engine flywheel to rotate freely (the clutch is not in contact anymore) and the gears can be shifted now or the engine can be started (if you are about to start the engine). This clutch plate is always in contact with the engine’s flywheel, by default. It is disengaged only when necessary by the action of the driver on the pedal.