Multi-plate compact friction clutch for actuators

Abstract

To protect actuators from excessive torque, a configurable multi-plate compact friction clutch is provided for use in vehicle applications. [Solution] The friction clutch 102 includes an output coupling 112, a central housing 210, alternating metal and thermoplastic friction plates 208, 206 that engage with the central housing 210 and the output coupling 112 respectively, and a biasing member 204 that applies compressive force to the friction plate 206. The clutch 102 transmits torque between the input and output while allowing slippage to protect against over-torque conditions. This design allows for consistent performance over a wide temperature range and can be scaled to suit various applications. The compact nature and quiet operation of the clutch 102 make it suitable for use in vehicle charging door actuators and other automotive closing systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a friction clutch mechanism, and in some embodiments, to systems and devices for protecting an actuator from excessive torque in vehicle applications.

Background Art

[0002] For example, if a vehicle door or panel actuator is directly connected to a vehicle door or panel, the door or panel may be damaged if it is "forced" closed by an operator. For example, after a vehicle is charged or refueled, a driver may attempt to manually and inadvertently (or deliberately if in a hurry) forcefully close a fuel door or charging panel, and this operation should be left to the actuator. For example, if the actuator is a rotary actuator, excessive torque may be applied to the internal actuator mechanism and / or connecting link, causing damage or breakage. Attempts to mitigate this problem include interposing a clutch or release mechanism between the actuator and the door or panel so that excessive force or torque can be released.

[0003] Friction clutches, more generally, can play an important role in various automotive applications and enable controlled transmission of torque between components. These mechanisms are utilized in a variety of scenarios, from power train systems to auxiliary devices. Nevertheless, the design and implementation of friction clutches present ongoing challenges for engineers, particularly in achieving consistent performance over a variety of operating conditions.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments described herein relate to multi-plate small (or compact) friction clutch systems designed for use in vehicle applications, particularly to protect actuators and other components from excessive torque. These embodiments aim to address torque control and thermal management for compact mechanisms such as vehicle charging door actuators, as well as challenges in other applications.

[0005] In some embodiments, the friction clutch includes an output coupling, a central housing, alternating metal and thermoplastic friction plates that engage with the central housing and the output coupling, respectively, and a biasing member that applies compressive force to the friction plates. The clutch transmits torque between the input and output while allowing slippage to protect against over-torque conditions. This design allows for consistent performance over a wide temperature range and can be scaled to suit various applications. The compact nature and quiet operation of the clutch make it suitable for use in vehicle charging door actuators and other automotive closing systems. The clutch components cooperate to provide controlled torque transmission and protection against over-torque conditions.

[0006] In some more specific embodiments, the clutch components include an output coupling (or output component), a press nut, a wave spring, alternating metal (e.g., steel) and thermoplastic (e.g., polyoxymethylene POM) friction plates, and a central (or bottom) housing. Other friction plate materials are also possible.

[0007] In some embodiments, the friction clutch includes input components such as a worm gear connected to a central housing to receive torque from an actuator or other motor, for example.

[0008] In some embodiments, the clutch components are assembled in a compact cylindrical housing, enabling integration into space-constrained applications such as vehicle charging door mechanisms. Other applications and uses of friction clutches are also possible.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pre-configured interaction between alternating steel and POM friction plates typically transmits torque in a specified or controlled manner, while allowing slippage between the friction plates in excessive or abnormal conditions, such as when the driver attempts to "force" a door or panel to close, as described above.

[0010] In some embodiments, the friction plates are stacked or alternated in a specific arrangement, with metal (e.g., steel) friction plates engaging with the central housing and thermoplastic (e.g., POM) friction plates engaging with the output coupling. This arrangement allows torque transmission between input components (e.g., a worm gear connected between the central housing and the actuator) and output components connected to the mechanism being driven (e.g., a charging door or panel). Other arrangements of various components and connections to the friction plates are also possible.

[0011] In some embodiments, wave springs play a crucial role in the operation and configurability of the clutch. The wave springs apply compressive force to the stack of friction plates, generating the friction necessary for torque transmission. The spring force can be adjusted by press nuts to achieve different torque capacities, allowing the clutch to be tailored to specific applications.

[0012] One of the characteristics of some exemplary friction clutches described herein is the ability to protect against over-torque conditions. In some embodiments, this protective capability is configurable and can be adjusted, for example, during use or in the field after initial installation in a vehicle. When the torque applied to a given door or panel operating system exceeds a predetermined threshold, the friction plates in the clutch are designed to slip against each other. This slip can prevent or at least mitigate the transmission of excessive torque to sensitive components, thereby protecting the actuator and associated mechanisms from damage.

[0013] In some embodiments, the performance or characteristics of the clutch can be fine-tuned by various parameters. These include the number of friction plates, the spring force generated by the wave spring and / or press nut, the friction plate material, and the friction plate dimensions. For example, the torque slip level may range from 1 Newton meter (Nm) to 100 Nm, depending on the specific design parameters selected. In some embodiments, the clutch is designed to operate effectively over a wide temperature range, for example, -40°C to +85°C, in an attempt to address the challenge of maintaining consistent performance under various environmental conditions.

[0014] The coefficient of friction between friction plates can also be a factor in clutch performance, either independently or in combination with other parameters. The coefficient of friction between alternating plates in a stacked array can range from 0.1 to 0.6, depending on the materials used and specific application requirements. The selection of materials for the friction plates themselves, such as Delrin 500P for thermoplastic (or POM) plates and steel for metal plates, can help achieve desired friction properties and wear resistance.

[0015] The compact nature of some embodiments allows for implementation flexibility. The exemplary clutch can be scaled to suit a variety of applications, with a baseline outer diameter of 7.7 mm and an inner diameter of 3.6 mm. Other outer and inner dimensions are also possible. This scalability allows the exemplary clutch to be used not only in charging door actuators but also in other automotive closing systems and / or space-constrained applications.

[0016] Some exemplary friction clutches described herein include the ability to maintain consistent torque over a wide temperature range. This is addressed by material selection and design considerations, such as matching the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the components in some embodiments. Furthermore, some exemplary designs allow for partial lubrication of the friction plates, further enhancing temperature stability and reducing wear.

[0017] In some embodiments, the performance of the friction clutch may be characterized by other parameters. For example, the maximum recommended slip speed may be 1-2 RPM, which may differ from the maximum speed of the actuator itself. Other slip speeds are also possible. In some embodiments, this slip speed is the speed at which the clutch is designed to operate when it reaches its maximum torque capacity and actively protects the system from overtorque.

[0018] In summary, in practical applications such as vehicle charging doors, some embodiments of the friction clutch described herein aim to enable safe manual operation of a connected door without the risk of damaging the door actuator or drive mechanism. For example, if the user applies excessive force to open or close the door, the clutch will slip, allowing the door to move without transmitting harmful force to the system.

[0019] Some embodiments also address the issue of audible feedback during operation. Unlike some existing clutch designs that may produce a clicking sound when engaged, some embodiments of this specification are designed to operate silently. In some embodiments, this can improve the perceived quality of the mechanism or vehicle in which it is mounted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to indicate correspondences between the referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate examples of the subject matter described herein and are not intended to limit its scope.

[0021] [Figure 1] This specification shows exemplary systems incorporating friction clutches, according to several embodiments described herein.

[0022] [Figure 2] This specification shows exploded views of the components of a friction clutch according to some embodiments described herein.

[0023] [Figure 3] Disclosed are exploded views of components of a friction clutch according to some embodiments described herein.

[0024] [Figure 4A] Disclosed are detailed exploded views of individual components of a friction clutch according to some embodiments described herein.

[0025] [Figure 4B] Disclosed is a cross-sectional view of an assembled friction clutch according to some embodiments described herein.

[0026] [Figure 4C] It is a detailed view of a part of the friction clutch shown in FIG. 4B.

[0027] [Figure 5] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Conventional clutch designs used to charge door actuators often struggle to provide consistent performance over a wide temperature range. Fluctuations in ambient temperature can lead to thermal expansion and contraction of materials, resulting in variations in clutch engagement and sliding properties. This mismatch can lead to unreliable door operation or premature wear of actuator components.

[0031] Furthermore, the compact nature of the charging door actuator can limit the space available for heat dissipation. During repetitive cycles or under excessive force, the clutch mechanism can experience a rapid temperature rise. This localized heating can further exacerbate performance variability and potentially lead to premature failure of clutch components or surrounding actuator elements. This embodiment aims to address these thermal management and torque control challenges and provide a reliable and durable charging door actuator system.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary friction clutch 102 is shown being used in an exemplary practical application in an exemplary system 114 for opening and closing a charging port door 110.

[0033] On the input side of the friction clutch 102, the friction clutch 102 includes, or is connected to, a worm gear 104 driven by a rotary door actuator (not shown) housed in an actuator housing 106. The door actuator includes an internal motor that normally supplies torque to drive the charging port door 110 between an open and closed position. The charging port door 110 may, for example, cover and protect the charging port of an electric vehicle and may be openable and closable under the action of the actuator so that a vehicle user can connect a charging cable to the charging port. Other applications are also possible, such as opening and closing the fuel door (or cap) of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. On the output side of the friction clutch 102, the friction clutch 102 includes an output coupling 112 connected to the door substructure 108 of the charging port door 110.

[0034] In some embodiments of the normal operation of the charging port door 110, the user can send an opening or closing command to the door actuator by, for example, manually pressing a selector button located inside the vehicle. In other modes, for example, the charging port door 110 can be automatically opened or closed when the vehicle senses that it is stationary adjacent to a charging or refueling station, or when the charging or refueling line is disconnected from the charging port or fuel cap.

[0035] In some more extreme or abnormal operation of the charging port door 110, a user (e.g., a vehicle driver) might attempt to manually open or close the charging port door 110, either inadvertently or, if in a hurry, intentionally, and this operation should be powered by the door actuator. If the door actuator is (e.g., here) a rotary actuator, excessive torque could be applied in reverse to the door actuator, motor, and other internal actuator mechanisms and / or connecting links, potentially causing damage and even breakage. In this exemplary practical application, the friction clutch 102 attempts to enable safe manual operation of the connected charging port door 110 without the risk of damaging the door actuator or drive mechanism. If the user applies excessive force to open or close the charging port door 110, the friction clutch 102 will slip, as further described below, allowing the charging port door 110 to move without transmitting harmful force to the system.

[0036] In Figure 2, exemplary components of the friction clutch 102 are shown in a schematic, semi-transparent shape so that the internal components are visible in the figure. The illustrated exemplary components include an output coupling 112 that functions as an external housing or output component of the friction clutch 102 and can be connected to another driven mechanism (e.g., a door lower structure 108, or a charging port door 110, or another component).

[0037] The friction clutch 102 further comprises a press nut 202 that adjusts the spring force generated by a wave spring 204. The wave spring 204 applies a compressive force to the illustrated exemplary friction plate stack 212. The friction clutch 102 further comprises a central housing 210 that connects to the input side or input component (e.g., worm gear 104) of the friction clutch 102.

[0038] The friction plate stack 212 includes alternating or alternatingly arranged metal friction plates 208 (e.g., steel) and thermoplastic friction plates 206 (e.g., polyoxymethylene, POM). Here, the illustrated exemplary friction plate stack 212 includes five thermoplastic friction plates 206 and four individually alternatingly arranged metal friction plates 208. Other combinations and arrangements of thermoplastic friction plates 206 and metal friction plates 208 are also possible.

[0039] The thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the metal friction plate 208 can rotate relative to each other within the alternately arranged friction plate stack 212 when slippage occurs or when it is desired to release excessive torque under abnormal conditions. In normal use, for example when it is desired to transmit the full torque to close a door, the wave spring 204 and press nut 202 press the thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the metal friction plate 208 together, thereby creating appropriate frictional engagement between the thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the metal friction plate 208, causing them to rotate together.

[0040] In normal use, the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the metal friction plate 208 frictionally engage with each other to transmit the entire torque from the input side to the output side of the friction clutch 102. In some embodiments, if there is any slippage in the friction clutch 102, this is permitted within an acceptable range or within a predetermined slip speed range, for example, within a difference rotational speed of 1 to 2 RPM between the thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the metal friction plate 208. Other slip speeds are possible, for example, in the range of 1 to 10 RPM or 1 to 20 RPM.

[0041] Figure 3 is a more detailed exploded view of the components of Figure 2, showing additional features. Here, the friction plates in the friction plate stack 212 in Figure 2 are not shown in an alternating arrangement, but are separated into individual stacks for clarity. Additional features may include, for example, providing an internal groove 302 in the output coupling 112 as shown, which engages with a tab 304 on the outer circumference of the thermoplastic friction plate 206 to transmit torque from the thermoplastic friction plate 206 to the output coupling 112 when driven during use. The driven thermoplastic friction plate 206 transmits torque by friction engagement with the driving metal friction plate 208, as described above.

[0042] Furthermore, the central housing 210 includes an external spline 308 that can engage with slots 306 around the inner circumference of the metal friction plate 208 to transmit torque from the central housing 210 to the metal friction plate 208. The central housing 210 is driven by a worm gear 104 that receives torque from the actuator, as described above.

[0043] In some embodiments, the interaction between the alternating thermoplastic friction plates 206 and the metal friction plates 208 allows torque to be transmitted in a specified or controlled manner during the normal operation of the friction clutch 102, while allowing slippage between the friction plates in excessive or abnormal conditions, such as when the driver attempts to force a door or panel to close, as described above.

[0044] In some embodiments, the friction plates are stacked on top of each other in a specific arrangement or arranged alternately, with the metal friction plate 208 engaging with the central housing 210, for example, as described above, and the thermoplastic friction plate 206 engaging with the output coupling 112. This flexible arrangement of the friction plate stack 212 of the friction clutch 102 allows for configurable or adjustable torque transmission between input components (e.g., a worm gear connected between the central housing and the actuator) and output components connected to the mechanism to be driven (e.g., a charging door or panel). Other arrangements of various components and connections to the friction plates are also possible.

[0045] In some embodiments, the wave spring 204 plays a crucial role in the operation and configurability of the friction clutch 102. The wave spring 204 applies a compressive force to the stack 212 of friction plates, generating the friction necessary for torque transmission. The spring force can be adjusted by the press nut 202 to achieve different torque transmission and sliding capacities, allowing the friction clutch 102 to be tailored to specific applications.

[0046] One of the main advantages of the illustrated exemplary friction clutch 102 is its ability to protect against over-torque conditions and its high configurability. When the torque applied to a given system exceeds a predetermined threshold, the friction plates are designed to slip relative to each other. This slip can prevent, or at least mitigate, the transmission of excessive torque to sensitive components, thereby protecting the actuator and associated mechanisms from damage. This threshold level of torque transmission and / or slip can be conveniently configured or adjusted, for example, as described below.

[0047] A predetermined torque slip threshold of the friction clutch 102 can be set or adjusted based on several factors, such as the number, size, and / or material type of thermoplastic friction plates 206 and metal friction plates 208 in the friction plate stack 212, the coefficient of friction between the thermoplastic friction plates 206 and metal friction plates 208, the application of lubricant or friction-releasing or friction-enhancing material to the thermoplastic friction plates 206 and / or metal friction plates 208, the surface roughness of the thermoplastic friction plates 206 and / or metal friction plates 208, the compression force generated by the wave spring 204, and / or the adjustment of the compression force provided by the press nut 202. Other factors may also be involved.

[0048] Figure 4A shows a similar diagram to Figure 2, but here, for clarity, the metal friction plate 208 and thermoplastic friction plate 206 are shown separately. The worm gear 104 is also shown mounted on the central housing 210.

[0049] Figure 4B provides a general cross-sectional arrangement of the friction clutch 102, including the height of the exemplary friction plate stack 212 and the height of the exemplary wave spring 402. In some embodiments, the height of the friction plate stack 212 and the wave spring height 402 may range from 7 mm to 20 mm and from 3 mm to 10 mm, respectively. Other heights of the friction stack plates are also possible.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the output coupling 112 has one or more output splines 410 provided on an integrated output connection collar 412 provided on the output side of the friction clutch 102. Other convenient output connections are also possible.

[0051] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the metal friction plate 208 are concentric in the sense that their inner and outer diameters (excluding their respective tabs 304 and slots 306) overlap and coincide with each other. Thus, the overlapping surfaces of the thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the metal friction plate 208 are symmetry, which, for spatial efficiency, attempts to maximize the plate area within the friction plate stack 212 that is available for frictional engagement and sets (configures) the torque transmission and sliding characteristics of the friction clutch 102.

[0052] Other friction plate sizes and configurable friction engagement arrangements are also possible. For example, as shown in the detailed view in Figure 4C, to further improve or utilize the potential friction engagement between plates in a space-efficient manner, the inner surface 416 of the peripheral outer portion 414 of the thermoplastic friction plate 206 superimposedly covers radially outward-facing friction walls 418 arranged around the outer periphery of adjacent metal friction plates 208. This superimposed overlap arrangement may be provided for a single pair of adjacent friction plates, a combination of adjacent or spaced-out pairs of friction plates, or for all friction plates within a specially configured friction plate stack 212. In some embodiments, the superimposed arrangement may be provided in the opposite way, namely having a peripheral outer portion 414 provided on one or more of the metal friction plates 208 and friction walls 418 provided on one or more of the thermoplastic friction plates 206.

[0053] Figure 4C also shows further details of the friction plate stack 212, for example, the nominal clearance 404 between the outer circumference of the thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the inner wall 406 of the output coupling 112. There is also a nominal clearance (not shown in this figure) between the inner circumference of the thermoplastic friction plate 206 and the spline 308 of the central housing 210.

[0054] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of the friction plate stack 212. The inner stack diameter 502 and outer stack diameter 504 of the friction plate stack 212 are shown. These dimensions may be useful in calculating the threshold torque T transmitted by the friction clutch 102. Slip of the safety clutch may occur beyond the threshold torque depending on the design.

[0055] In some embodiments, the threshold torque T transmitted by a single face of one friction plate in the friction plate stack 212 can be expressed by the following equation, where "D" is the outer friction plate diameter (e.g., corresponding to the outer stack diameter 504) and "d" is the inner friction plate diameter (e.g., corresponding to the inner stack diameter 502).

[0056] Threshold torque T = = NμF(R1+R2) / 2 where,

[0057] N = number of friction plates = 10 (for example)

[0058] F = spring force = 60N (for example)

[0059] μ = coefficient of friction of the friction plate = 0.33 (for example)

[0060] R1 = outer stack radius = 14 mm (for example)

[0061] R2 = Inner stack radius = 7mm (for example)

[0062] Therefore, in the case of the exemplary friction clutch 102, based on this formula, it can be determined that the threshold torque generated by a single face of one friction plate in the friction plate stack 212 is approximately 0.21 Nm. Assuming that the friction clutch 102 includes 10 opposing faces of thermoplastic friction plates 206 and metal friction plates 208 in the configured friction plate stack 212, the overall threshold torque T of the friction clutch 102 can be calculated as approximately 2.1 Nm.

[0063] Other performance parameters of the exemplary friction clutch 102 may include, depending on the design parameters, a torque slip level in the range of 1 Nm to 100 Nm, a temperature / torque performance range of -40°C to +85°C, a friction coefficient between friction plates in the range of 0.1 to 0.6, a wave spring force in the range of 60 N or more (e.g., generated by a spring washer stack) depending on the design requirements, friction plate dimensions such that the outer stack diameter 504 is in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm (e.g., 7.7 mm) and the inner stack diameter 502 is in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm (e.g., 3.6 mm), the number or arrangement of thermoplastic friction plates 206 and / or metal friction plates 208, e.g., at least two thermoplastic friction plates 206 and / or two alternating or stacked metal friction plates 208, and the total number of friction plates depending on the desired overall size or threshold torque capacity of the friction clutch 102, and a slip speed in the range of 1 to 2 RPM, or 1 to 10 RPM, or 1 to 20 RPM.

[0064] Therefore, the performance of the friction clutch 102 can be conveniently fine-tuned in some embodiments by adjusting various parameters such as the number of friction plates, spring force, plate material, and plate dimensions. This allows the friction clutch 102 to be tailored to specific applications while maintaining a compact design suitable for space-constrained environments such as vehicle charging door mechanisms. Some embodiments also address thermal management challenges by carefully selecting materials with matching coefficients of thermal expansion and enabling partial lubrication of the plates. This helps maintain consistent performance over a wide temperature range, which can be important for automotive applications.

[0065] Some embodiments of this specification include methods. Exemplary operations in method 600 for operating a friction clutch are described here with reference to Figure 6. In operation 602, method 600 receives an input torque at the central housing of the friction clutch. In operation 604, method 600 transmits the input torque to an output coupling via a plurality of alternatingly arranged first and second friction plates. In operation 606, method 600 allows slippage between the first and second friction plates when the input torque exceeds a predetermined threshold of the force actuator.

[0066] Method 600 may further include the step of applying compressive force to the first and second friction plates using a biasing member. Method 600 may further include the step of adjusting the compressive force applied by the biasing member using a press nut. In some embodiments, the first friction plate engages with a central housing and the second friction plate engages with an output coupling. In some embodiments, the first friction plate is made of metal and the second friction plate is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0067] In some embodiments, method 600 may further include the step of maintaining a consistent torque profile within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. In some embodiments, the friction clutch has a maximum slip speed of 1 to 2 RPM. In some embodiments, the friction clutch is used in a vehicle charging door actuator system.

[0068] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes the step of partially lubricating the first and second friction plates to enhance temperature stability and reduce wear. In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction between the first and second friction plates is between 0.1 and 0.6. Other technical features may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description, and claims.

[0069] Examples

[0070] Some embodiments may include one or more of the following embodiments.

[0071] Embodiment 1 includes a configurable friction clutch comprising an output coupling, a central housing, a plurality of first friction plates engaged with the central housing, a plurality of second friction plates engaged with the output coupling and arranged alternately with the first friction plates, and an adjustable biasing member configured to apply compressive force to the first and second friction plates.

[0072] Example 2 includes the friction clutch of Example 1, and the biasing member comprises a wave spring.

[0073] Embodiment 3 includes the friction clutch of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the friction clutch is adjustable and further comprises a press nut configured to adjust the force applied by a biasing member, thereby adjusting the threshold torque transmitted by the friction clutch.

[0074] Example 4 includes the friction clutch of Example 3, wherein the force applied by the biasing member allows sliding between the first plate and the second plate at a receiving torque exceeding a threshold torque.

[0075] Example 5 includes one of the friction clutches from Examples 1 to 4, wherein the first friction plate is made of metal and the second friction plate is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0076] Example 6 includes the friction clutch of Example 5, wherein the metal is steel and the thermoplastic material is polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0077] Example 7 includes a friction clutch from any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the central housing has external splines that engage with slots in the first friction plate.

[0078] Example 8 includes a friction clutch from any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the output coupling has an internal groove that engages with a tab of the second friction plate.

[0079] Example 9 includes one of the friction clutches from Examples 1 to 8, and the friction clutch is configured to maintain a torque profile within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

[0080] Example 10 includes one of the friction clutches from Examples 1 to 9, the friction clutch having an outer diameter between 7.7 mm and 100 mm.

[0081] Example 11 includes one of the friction clutches from Examples 1 to 10 and further comprises an input component connected to a central housing and configured to receive torque from an actuator.

[0082] Embodiment 12 includes a method for operating a configurable friction clutch, the method comprising: receiving an input torque in a central housing of the friction clutch; transmitting the input torque to an output coupling via a plurality of alternatingly arranged first and second friction plates; and setting (configuring) an acceptable slip between the first and second friction plates when the input torque exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0083] Example 13 includes the method of Example 12, wherein the step of setting (configuring) an acceptable slip includes at least the step of applying a compressive force to the first and second friction plates using a biasing member.

[0084] Example 14 includes the method of Example 13, further comprising the step of adjusting the compressive force applied by the biasing member using a press nut.

[0085] Example 15 includes the method of Example 12 or 13, wherein the first friction plate engages with the central housing and the second friction plate engages with the output coupling.

[0086] Example 16 comprises one of the methods from Examples 12 to 15, wherein the first friction plate comprises a metal and the second friction plate comprises a thermoplastic material.

[0087] Example 17 includes one of the methods from Examples 12 to 16, further comprising the step of maintaining a consistent torque profile within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

[0088] Example 18 comprises one of the methods from Examples 12 to 17, wherein the friction clutch has a maximum sliding speed of 1 to 2 RPM.

[0089] Example 19 comprises one of the methods of Examples 12 to 18, further comprising the step of partially lubricating the first and second friction plates.

[0090] Example 20 comprises one of the methods from Examples 12 to 19, wherein the coefficient of friction between the first and second friction plates is between 0.1 and 0.6.

[0091] It should be noted that the above descriptions and figures, along with the examples described herein, merely illustrate the principles of this subject matter and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter. Therefore, it should be understood that various configurations embodying the principles of this subject matter may be devised, even if not expressly described or shown herein. Furthermore, all descriptions herein listing the principles, embodiments, and implementations of this subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass their equivalents.

[0092] It should be understood that not all objectives or benefits will necessarily be achieved by following any specific example described herein. Therefore, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that some examples may be manipulated to achieve or optimize one benefit or set of benefits taught herein, without necessarily achieving other objectives or benefits that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0093] The flowcharts described herein may show operations as sequential processes, but many operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process terminates when its operation is completed. A process can correspond to a method, procedure, algorithm, etc. The operation of a method may be performed in whole or in part, in conjunction with some or all of the operations of other methods, and may be performed by any number of different systems.

[0094] In particular, conditional language such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless otherwise specified, is understood in context to mean that some examples include certain features, elements, and / or processes, while others do not. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or processes are required in any way by the examples, or that these examples necessarily involve logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or processes should be included in or performed in any particular example, with or without user input or prompting.

[0095] Disjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z," is generally understood in its context to indicate that an item, term, etc., can be X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z), unless otherwise specified. Therefore, such disjunctive language should not, in general, imply that several examples require at least one X, at least one Y, or at least one Z to exist, respectively.

[0096] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications can be made to the above examples, and that these elements should be understood to be found in other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0097] Unless otherwise specified, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted as including one or more of the listed items. Therefore, phrases such as "devices configured as" are intended to include one or more of the enumerated devices. Such one or more enumerated devices can also be collectively configured to perform the stated enumeration. For example, "processors configured to perform enumerations A, B, and C" could include a first processor configured to perform enumeration A, working in conjunction with a second processor configured to perform enumerations B and C.

[0098] It will also be understood that, depending on the specific application, one or more of the elements shown in the drawings / figures may also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or in certain cases may be removed or depicted as non-functional.

[0099] The above is a detailed description of some embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention, but various alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents can be used. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A configurable friction clutch, Output coupling and, The central housing and A plurality of first friction plates engaged with the central housing, A plurality of second friction plates engaged with the output coupling and arranged alternately with the plurality of first friction plates in the friction plate assembly, An adjustable biasing member configured to apply a compressive force to the alternating first and second friction plates within the friction plate assembly, A configurable friction clutch comprising:

2. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable biasing member comprises a wave spring.

3. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 1, further comprising a press nut configured to adjust the force applied by the adjustable biasing member, thereby adjusting the threshold torque transmitted by the configurable friction clutch.

4. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 3, wherein the force applied by the adjustable biasing member allows for sliding between the plurality of first plates and second plates with a torque exceeding the threshold torque.

5. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first friction plates include metal and the plurality of second friction plates include a thermoplastic material.

6. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 5, wherein the metal includes steel and the thermoplastic material includes polyoxymethylene (POM).

7. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 1, wherein the central housing comprises external splines that engage with slots in the plurality of first friction plates.

8. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 1, wherein the output coupling comprises internal grooves that engage with tabs of the plurality of second friction plates.

9. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 1, wherein the configurable friction clutch is configured to maintain a torque profile within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

10. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 1, having an outer diameter of 7.7 mm to 100 mm.

11. The configurable friction clutch according to claim 1, further comprising an input component connected to the central housing and configured to receive torque from an actuator.

12. A method for operating a configurable friction clutch, A step of receiving input torque in the central housing of a configurable friction clutch, The steps include transmitting the input torque to the output coupling via a plurality of alternatingly arranged first and second friction plates, The steps include setting an acceptable slip between the alternating first friction plate and the second friction plate when the input torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, Methods that include...

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of setting the acceptable slip includes at least applying a compressive force to the alternating first and second friction plates using a biasing member.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of adjusting the compressive force applied by the biasing member using a press nut.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first friction plate engages with the central housing and the second friction plate engages with the output coupling.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first friction plate comprises a metal and the second friction plate comprises a thermoplastic material.

17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of maintaining a consistent torque profile within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein the configurable friction clutch has a maximum sliding speed of 1 to 2 RPM.

19. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of partially lubricating the first and second friction plates.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein the coefficient of friction between the first friction plate and the second friction plate is between 0.1 and 0.6.

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