Stefan Steinmetz

Title: **The Innovative Journey of Stefan Steinmetz in the Field of Wet Friction Materials**

Introduction

Stefan Steinmetz, an accomplished inventor based in Esslingen, Germany, has made significant contributions to the automotive industry with a focus on wet friction materials. With a total of eight patents to his name, Steinmetz continues to push the boundaries of innovation in his field, particularly through his work at Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations, Steinmetz has developed a wet multi-plate clutch that features a unique design. This clutch includes a plate carrier with two fluid passage openings and a friction plate that is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable relative to the plate carrier. The friction plate encompasses a carrier element and two friction pads that are affixed to the carrier element, creating a groove with a specific geometrical center line. This groove may either extend radially through one of the fluid passage openings or lie between them, allowing one of the friction pads to include a pad geometrical center line extending radially through the passage.

In another significant patent, Steinmetz introduced a method for producing a multi-layered wet friction material. This method involves providing a bottom layer and a top layer crafted from different materials. The bonding of these layers is crucial, with specifications indicating that the top layer formulation comprises 20% to 60% filler, 10% to 40% wood pulp, 5% to 10% aramid, and 25% to 35% phenolic resin. The bottom layer consists of 10% to 50% filler, 10% to 40% wood pulp, 5% to 10% aramid, along with 5% to 15% carbon, and 25% to 35% phenolic resin.

Career Highlights

Stefan Steinmetz has been instrumental in advancing wet friction technology at Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG. His innovative spirit and technical expertise have led to the development of solutions that enhance vehicle performance and reliability. His eight patents highlight his dedication to research and development in this specialized area.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Steinmetz has collaborated with talented professionals such as Patrick Knecht and Markus Hesse. These partnerships have fostered a dynamic environment for innovation and have contributed to the success of many of their joint projects in the field of friction materials.

Conclusion

Stefan Steinmetz stands out as a key figure in the realm of innovations related to wet friction materials. His contributions at Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG not only streamline automotive performance but also set the stage for future advancements in the industry. With his ongoing commitment to innovation, the journey of this inventor will likely continue to inspire and influence the next generation of engineering solutions.