Reverse-Input Blocking Clutch With Elastic Engagement Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse-input blocking clutches face challenges in smoothly switching from a locked or semi-locked state to an unlocked state when rotational torque is inputted, leading to potential complications in controlling the input-side mechanism and reducing controllability.
Innovation Solution
The reverse-input blocking clutch incorporates a pressed member, an input member, an output member, an engaging element, and an elastic body, where the elastic body applies a force to the engaging element to facilitate smooth transitions between states by adjusting the position of the engaging element relative to the pressed surface, ensuring the torque is efficiently transmitted or blocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engaging element is directly pressed against the pressed surface without elastic body, then the torque blocking function is strong, but the switching from locked to unlocked state is not smooth and controllability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic body is introduced as an intermediary between the engaging element and the pressed surface. This elastic body deforms under torque loading, enabling smooth transition from locked to unlocked state while maintaining reliable controllability of the input-side mechanism.
2Reliability
If the engaging element is positioned far from the pressed surface, then the controllability is improved, but the torque transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging element's position relative to the pressed surface is made dynamic through the elastic body. During normal operation, the engaging element maintains optimal distance for controllability, but during torque transmission, the elastic body deforms to bring the engaging element closer, maximizing torque efficiency.
3Power
If the engaging element moves directly toward the pressed surface during torque input, then the torque is efficiently transmitted, but the switching action creates control complications
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body changes its deformation parameter in response to torque input. Under low torque, it maintains a state favorable for controllability; under high torque, it deforms to a state that maximizes torque transmission efficiency, thus adapting the system's mechanical parameters to operational conditions.
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 design allows for seamless switching between locked, semi-locked, and unlocked states without compromising the controllability of the input-side mechanism, ensuring efficient torque transmission and blocking, thus maintaining operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body, and the elastic body applies an elastic force to the engaging element in a direction away from the pressed surface
Implementation Method 2
the pressing surface frictionally engages with the pressed surface when rotational torque is reversely inputted to the output member
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse-input blocking clutch includes: a pressed member having a pressed surface; an input member having an input-side engaging portion on an inner side in a radial direction of the pressed surface; an output member having an output-side engaging portion further on the inner side in the radial direction than the input-side engaging portion; an engaging element on the inner side in the radial direction of the pressed surface to move in a first direction away from or toward the pressed surface, having a main engaging element body having a pivot-support shaft, and a link member having a first end portion pivotally linked to the pivot-support shaft and a second end portion pivotally linked to the input-side engaging portion; and an elastic body between the main engaging element body and the link member and applying an elastic force to the link member toward the pressed surface in the first direction.