Axial Latching Overload Clutch for Compact Freewheel Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overload clutches require large installation space and do not have a satisfactory range of functions or a long service life.
Innovation Solution
An overload clutch arrangement with a guide means, latching element, structural member, and displacement element that allows adjustable latching positions to couple or freewheel, protecting components from damage while requiring minimal space and offering a wide range of functions and a long service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional overload clutch designs are used, then overload protection function is achieved, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is received within a bore of the guide means, and the displacement element is positioned within the same bore, creating a nested arrangement where multiple functional components occupy the same spatial envelope. This nesting reduces the overall installation space while maintaining the overload protection function through the latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element moves along the longitudinal axis (A) of the bore rather than requiring radial or lateral space. By utilizing the axial dimension for the latching and disengagement motion, the design minimizes the footprint area while maintaining effective overload protection functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If simple clutch mechanisms are used, then installation space is reduced, but service life and functional range are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to be movable along the longitudinal axis within the bore, transitioning between engaged and disengaged positions based on overload conditions. This dynamic capability allows the compact mechanism to provide reliable service life by automatically responding to varying load conditions without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement element automatically displaces the latching element along the longitudinal axis when overload occurs, causing the latching element to disengage from the latching receptacle. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators or complex control systems, extending service life while maintaining a compact design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable latching positions are implemented, then functional range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single bore structure serves multiple functions: it guides the latching element, houses the displacement element, and provides the longitudinal axis for adjustable latching positions. This multi-functionality of the bore reduces overall device complexity while enabling adjustable functional range for different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An overload clutch arrangement, through which a longitudinal axis passes, has a guide means, at least one latching element movably received in a bore of the guide means, a structural member having a latching receptacle, and a displacement element movable along the longitudinal axis and which can displace the at least one latching element into the latching receptacle, wherein the at least one latching element is adjustable between a latching position in which it engages in its latching receptacle and rotationally fixedly couples the guide means to the structural member and a freewheel position in which it is arranged outside its latching receptacle and allows freewheeling of the structural member relative to the guide means.