Cam Clutch Cage Ring Structure for Low-Resistance Roller Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam clutch units face challenges such as complex machining processes, high difficulty levels, limited width dimensions, and increased rotational resistance due to frictional sliding between the roller and the spring.
Innovation Solution
The proposed cam clutch unit features a simplified structure with fewer machining processes, improved cage ring rigidity, and a claw portion that allows roller insertion from either side, reducing rotational resistance and eliminating contact between the roller and the spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If groove portions are provided in the cam and roller to accommodate annular springs, then the spring can be positioned and function properly, but the number of machining processes increases and the width dimension cannot be made smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the spring from the groove portions that were previously required in the cam and roller. Instead, the spring is positioned by the cage ring structure itself, which eliminates the need for groove machining in the cam and roller while maintaining proper spring positioning and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage ring is given multiple functions: it not only guides the cam and roller but also positions the annular spring through its end-part circumferential annular portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate groove portions in the cam and roller for spring accommodation.
2Ease of operation
If the roller is restricted only in axial direction to allow free rotation, then rotational freedom is achieved, but frictional sliding between the groove bottom and spring generates rotational resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the groove portion from the roller that caused frictional sliding. The spring now interacts with the cage ring structure instead of sliding against the roller groove bottom, removing the source of rotational resistance while maintaining axial restriction and rotational freedom.
3Reliability
If urging portions by springs are provided on both end sides of the cam and roller, then the spring can be secured axially, but the cam requires a locking structure that increases machining complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cage ring is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the cam and roller, and simultaneously retains the spring axially through its end-part circumferential annular portion. This eliminates the need for separate locking structures on the cam while ensuring spring retention.
4Manufacturing precision
If the cage ring has sufficient rigidity to maintain structural stability, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the width dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enhances the cage ring rigidity in the radial direction through its end-part circumferential annular portion design, which provides structural stability without increasing the axial width dimension. The rigidity is achieved through strategic structural reinforcement rather than simply increasing overall dimensions.
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 results in a cam clutch unit with reduced machining complexity, lower rotational resistance, and improved durability, while maintaining high accuracy and allowing for thinner width dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
an annular spring which urges the cam
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rollers which freely rotate the inner ring and the outer ring
Data Source
AI summary
A cam clutch unit includes a plurality of cams and a plurality of rollers disposed so as to be aligned in a circumferential direction between an inner ring and an outer ring, a cage ring having a plurality of pocket portions which regulate relative movement in a circumferential direction of the cam and the roller, and an annular spring which urges the cam, in which the cam has an engagement stepped portion capable of engagement with the spring, the cage ring has an end-part circumferential annular portion continuing in the circumferential direction on an end surface in the axial direction, the pocket portion regulates movement of the roller to the outer ring side and the inner ring side and has a claw portion capable of insertion of the roller from the outer ring side or the inner ring side by elastic deformation.