Arc Stop-Block Overrunning Clutch for High-Torque Low-Heat Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overrunning clutches face limitations in withstanding high torques, experiencing wear issues, and generating heat due to their structural characteristics, leading to reduced service life and reliability, especially in high-speed and high-load applications.
Innovation Solution
A lower pair arc stop-block overrunning clutch design featuring an annular first rotating ring, a second rotating ring, a friction block assembly with cambered-surface stop-blocks, and a wedge assembly with rollers, which allows for unidirectional rotation and effective torque transmission, enhancing wear resistance and service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If higher-pair transmission (point contact or linear contact) is used to increase torque capacity, then torque transmission capability is improved, but serious heating phenomenon occurs and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs arc-shaped contact surfaces with specific radii of curvature (R1, R2, R3, R4) to transform the contact geometry from point/linear contact to curved surface contact. This curvature distribution converts higher-pair transmission into lower-pair transmission, increasing contact area and reducing stress concentration, thereby eliminating serious heating phenomena while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact parameters by introducing specific arc radius parameters (R1=5-15mm, R2=10-20mm, R3=3-8mm, R4=5-15mm) that define the curvature of contact surfaces. These parameter changes transform the contact mode from higher-pair to lower-pair, reducing contact stress and heat generation while preserving torque transmission capability.
2Force
If higher-pair transmission is used to increase torque capacity, then torque transmission is improved, but service life is reduced due to wear and heating
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped contact surfaces with optimized radii distribute contact stress more evenly, reducing wear rates and eliminating heating-induced damage. This extends the service life of the clutch by preventing thermal degradation and wear fatigue that occur with point or linear contact.
3Force
If the wedging angle in wedge overrunning clutch is decreased to improve wedging performance, then torque transmission is improved, but wear resistance deteriorates and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional wedging mechanism with arc-shaped contact surfaces that provide continuous surface contact. This eliminates the trade-off between wedging angle and wear resistance by distributing contact stress across curved surfaces, maintaining torque transmission capability while significantly extending service life through reduced wear.
4Ease of operation
If ratchet overrunning clutch is used for stepwise rotation, then clutch function is achieved, but noise and impact wear occur making it unsuitable for high-speed applications
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped contact surfaces enable smooth, continuous engagement without the stepwise motion characteristic of ratchet mechanisms. The curved surfaces guide the friction blocks through gradual contact, eliminating impact wear and noise generation while maintaining clutch functionality, making the system suitable for high-speed applications.
5Force
If friction blocks are used with arc wedge surfaces for lower pair transmission, then torque capacity and wear resistance are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is divided into modular components: friction blocks with integrated arc wedge surfaces, wedge assemblies with rollers, and propeller assemblies. Each module is independently designed and assembled, which manages structural complexity through standardization and modularity while achieving the desired torque transmission and wear resistance performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves improved torque capacity, sensitive reaction, and extended service life while preventing heat buildup, making it suitable for high-speed and high-torque applications with enhanced reliability and wear resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge assembly with rollers, which allows for unidirectional rotation and effective torque transmission
Implementation Method 2
a friction block assembly with cambered-surface stop-blocks
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a lower pair arc stop-block overrunning clutch comprising an outer rotating element, an inner rotating element, a friction block assembly, a wedge assembly, a first propeller assembly, a first elastic element and a synchronized push-block assembly, wherein a plurality of friction blocks of the friction block assembly are connected end to end and arranged between a first rotating ring and a second rotating ring; an drive element drives the first propeller assembly to press the synchronized push-block assembly to achieve synchronization of the friction block assembly; the first propeller assembly strikes the friction block assembly and is relatively stationary to push the friction block assembly for generating reverse rotation relative to a driven element; the wedge assembly is wedged to generate a radial pressure on the friction block assembly so that the friction block assembly can achieve lower pair arc stop, thereby achieving the transfer of torque.