Cam Clutch and One-Way Clutch Layout for Compact Gear Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch apparatuses require significant installation space and weight due to bulky multiplate wet clutches, making them difficult to install in reduced spaces and increasing weight.
Innovation Solution
A clutch apparatus comprising a roller one way clutch and a cam clutch, where the cam clutch is axially adjacent to the roller one way clutch and includes a rotary member, a movable member, and a cam mechanism that engages the movable member with the first race, allowing for reduced space and weight installation by eliminating unnecessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multiplate wet clutch is used as a component in a transmission mechanism, then the clutch can provide frictional engagement for gear shifting, but the plates become bulky and additional components for gear shift control are required, leading to increased installation space and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the multiplate wet clutch and gear shift control components into a single integrated clutch apparatus. The clutch plates are directly connected to the gear shift mechanism, eliminating the need for separate control components. This merging reduces the overall number of parts, decreases weight, and simplifies the structure while maintaining the gear shifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: frictional engagement for gear shifting and direct gear shift control. The same clutch plates and mechanism serve both as the friction engagement element and as the gear shift actuator, eliminating the need for additional dedicated control components and reducing overall system weight.
2Reliability
If a multiplate wet clutch is used as a component in a transmission mechanism, then the clutch can provide frictional engagement for gear shifting, but additional components for gear shift control are required, leading to increased installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the multiplate wet clutch and gear shift control into a single integrated unit. The clutch plates are directly connected to the gear shift mechanism, eliminating the need for separate control components. This integration significantly reduces the installation space required while maintaining the gear shifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear shift control mechanism is nested within the clutch structure. The control components are positioned inside or between the clutch plates, utilizing the existing space efficiently. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall footprint and installation space required for the clutch apparatus.
3Reliability
If conventional clutch apparatus components are used, then the clutch can provide reliable engagement, but the structure becomes complex with additional components, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated clutch apparatus. The clutch plates, friction engagement mechanism, and gear shift control are merged into one structure, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch apparatus is designed as a multi-functional unit where the same components perform multiple functions. The clutch plates provide both friction engagement and gear shift control, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control components and reducing structural complexity.
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
The solution enables a clutch apparatus that can be installed in a reduced space while maintaining functionality, reducing weight by eliminating additional components needed for gear shift control in conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism disposed between the rotary member and the movable member, and the movable member being engaged with the first race by being moved in the axial direction by the cam mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The roller one way clutch allows the rotation of the inner race only in one direction and locks the rotation in the other direction
Implementation Method 3
The multiplate wet clutch acts as a braking part that locks the rotation of the inner race in one and the other directions by frictional engagement of the friction plates and the separator plates
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch apparatus comprises a first race, a second race arranged coaxial with and rotatable relative to the first race, and an engagement mechanism provided between the first race and the second race for engagement of the first race and said second race. The engagement mechanism comprising a first clutch allowing rotation of the first race in only one direction, and a second clutch arranged axially adjacent to the first clutch, the second clutch comprising a rotary member that is provided on the second race in a rotatable and axially immovable manner and a movable member that is movable in the axial direction, and a cam mechanism disposed between the rotary member and the movable member, and the movable member being engaged with the first race by being moved in the axial direction by the cam mechanism.