Reverse-Input Blocking Clutch With Elastic Link for Smooth Unlocking
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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 elements relative to the pressed surface, ensuring the torque transmission and blocking functions are efficiently managed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional reverse-input blocking clutch design is used, then torque blocking function is achieved, but switching from locked state to unlocked state is not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging element is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to transition between engaged and disengaged positions smoothly. The engaging element includes an engaging portion that can dynamically adjust its position relative to the input-side engaging portion, enabling seamless switching between locked and unlocked states without compromising controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic body is introduced as an intermediary component between the engaging element and the pressed member. This elastic body facilitates smooth transition by providing gradual force application and absorption during state switching, eliminating abrupt changes while maintaining reliable torque blocking and transmission functions.
2Reliability
If engaging element is positioned closer to pressed surface, then torque blocking is improved, but switching smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging element is designed to dynamically adjust its position rather than being fixed in a static position. During torque blocking, the engaging element engages with the input-side engaging portion, and during state transition, it smoothly disengages with the assistance of the elastic body, achieving both reliable blocking and smooth switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the engaging element relative to the pressed surface is made variable rather than fixed. The elastic body enables the engaging element to change its position parameter dynamically - closer to the pressed surface for effective blocking, and farther for smooth disengagement - thus resolving the contradiction between blocking capability and switching smoothness.
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 capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body arranged between the main engaging element body and the link member, and applying an elastic force to the link member in a direction toward the pressed surface in the first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A reverse-input blocking clutch is achieved that is capable of smoothly performing switching from a locked state to an unlocked state when a rotational torque is inputted to an input member without a reduction in controllability of a rotation drive source. The reverse-input blocking clutch includes: a pressed member having a pressed surface 20; an input member having an input-side engaging portion 8 arranged on the inner side in the radial direction of the pressed surface 20; an output member having an output-side engaging portion arranged further on the inner side in the radial direction than the input-side engaging portion 8; an engaging element 5 arranged to move in a first direction as a direction away from or toward the pressed surface 20, and composed of a main engaging element body 30 and a link member 31, the ling member 31 having a first end portion pivotally linked to a pivot-support shaft 33 and a second end portion pivotally linked to the input-side engaging portion 8; and an elastic body 56 arranged between the main engaging element body 30 and the link member 31, the elastic body 56 applying an elastic force to the link member 31 in a direction toward the pressed surface 20 in the first direction.