Bidirectional Clutch Actuation for High-Torque Slip Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic clutch systems face inefficiencies due to the need for a large clutch spring load to prevent sliding under high torque conditions, which increases the output required from the clutch actuator, leading to larger and heavier actuators.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a clutch actuator and a driving mechanism that can apply forces in both disconnecting and connecting directions, using a separate driving source from the clutch spring to increase clutch capacity only when necessary, thus reducing the actuator's output requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clutch spring with a large load is used to prevent sliding under high torque conditions, then the clutch capacity is sufficient, but the output required from the clutch actuator increases, leading to larger and heavier actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator's output capacity is made dynamic rather than static. The actuator operates at low output during normal conditions but can dynamically increase its output when a large torque is applied to the clutch apparatus, preventing sliding only when necessary. This dynamic operation allows the use of a smaller, lighter actuator while maintaining sufficient clutch capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the clutch actuator based on torque conditions. By monitoring torque application and adjusting the actuator's output accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between clutch capacity and actuator size, avoiding the need for a continuously high-capacity actuator.
2Strength
If a clutch spring with a large load is used to prevent sliding under high torque conditions, then the clutch capacity is sufficient, but the system efficiency decreases due to the larger actuator required
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator operates dynamically, maintaining low power consumption during normal operation and only increasing output when high torque conditions require additional capacity to prevent sliding. This dynamic operation significantly improves overall system efficiency compared to a continuously high-capacity actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator provides high-capacity operation periodically or intermittently only when torque conditions require it, rather than maintaining high capacity continuously. This periodic high-capacity operation reduces energy consumption while ensuring clutch capacity is available when needed.
3Reliability
If the clutch actuator output is increased to handle high torque conditions, then sliding is prevented, but the size and weight of the actuator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator's output capacity is made dynamic, allowing it to provide high force only when sliding prevention is actually needed under high torque conditions. During normal operation, the actuator operates at low output, enabling a compact design that wouldn't be required if high capacity were needed continuously.
4Strength
If a normally closed clutch apparatus with large spring load is used, then clutch capacity is sufficient for high torque, but the actuator output requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static high-power actuator design to a dynamic one where the actuator's power output adapts to actual torque conditions. The clutch spring maintains normal closing force, but the actuator only increases its output when high torque application threatens to cause sliding, optimizing the power requirement.
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
This configuration allows for increased clutch capacity during high-torque conditions without increasing the actuator's output, resulting in a more efficient, smaller, and lighter automatic clutch system.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch apparatus includes a spring member configured to generate a pressing force in the clutch connecting direction
Data Source
AI summary
This clutch control device includes a clutch apparatus configured to connect and disconnect power transmission between a prime mover and an output target, a clutch actuator configured to output a driving force for actuating the clutch apparatus, and a driving mechanism configured to receive the driving force of the clutch actuator and actuate the clutch apparatus, and the driving mechanism is able to apply a driving force in either a disconnecting direction or a connecting direction to the clutch apparatus.