Segmented Cam Clutch Layout for Low-Torque Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam clutches require high-rigidity or large-size components and high energy consumption for mode switching due to simultaneous orientation changes of cams, leading to potential damage and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A cam clutch design with movable cam orientation changing parts positioned differently relative to each cam, allowing independent rotation and staggered timing of cam orientation changes to reduce disengaging torque and eliminate the need for high-rigidity materials or large drive sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all cams change orientation simultaneously, then the operating mode switching is clear and definite, but high disengaging torque is required causing damage to cam surfaces and raceways
Solution Approach 1:
The cam clutch is divided into multiple independent cam units (first cam, second cam, third cam, fourth cam) that can change orientation independently or in different sequences. This segmentation allows the disengaging torque to be distributed across multiple smaller torque applications rather than one large simultaneous torque, reducing peak stress on cam surfaces and raceways.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam orientation changing parts are configured to rotate the cams in a sequential periodic manner rather than all at once. The first and second cams can be rotated at a first timing, while the third and fourth cams are rotated at a second timing different from the first timing. This periodic action spreads the disengagement process over time, reducing instantaneous torque demands.
2Reliability
If high-rigidity or large-size components are used for cam orientation changing, then mode switching reliability is improved, but device size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam orientation changing function is segmented into multiple smaller changing parts (first cam orientation changing part, second cam orientation changing part, third cam orientation changing part, fourth cam orientation changing part), each responsible for rotating a specific cam. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and lighter while collectively achieving the same reliable mode switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
By rotating cams in sequential periods rather than simultaneously, the instantaneous torque requirements are reduced, allowing the use of smaller, lighter cam orientation changing parts that can still achieve reliable mode switching without requiring oversized high-rigidity components.
3Speed
If all cams are rotated simultaneously, then mode switching is achieved quickly, but large disengaging torque causes surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cam rotation is executed in periodic stages: first timing for first and second cams, second timing for third and fourth cams. This periodic action maintains fast mode switching by completing all rotations within a short total time while distributing the torque application across multiple smaller steps, preventing surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The simultaneous rotation of all four cams is segmented into multiple independent rotation events. Each cam or pair of cams is rotated separately in sequence, which maintains the overall speed of mode switching while eliminating the harmful peak torque that would occur with truly simultaneous rotation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If plate spring members are used for power transmission, then two-way power transmission is enabled, but torque transmission capacity is reduced due to friction reliance
Solution Approach 1:
The plate spring member friction-based power transmission is substituted with a cam-based positive engagement mechanism. The cams engage with the inner and outer races through geometric contact rather than friction, enabling two-way power transmission with significantly higher torque transmission capacity and reduced reliance on friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission system combines multiple cam elements (first cam, second cam, third cam, fourth cam) with different engagement characteristics to achieve both two-way power transmission capability and high torque transmission capacity, replacing the single mechanism approach of plate spring members.
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
Enables high responsiveness, energy savings, and size reduction while prolonging the service life by reducing disengaging torque and minimizing surface damage during mode switching.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means biasing each of the plurality of cams to make contact with the inner race and the outer race
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a cam and a one-way cam clutch that realize a reduction in weight and production cost, provide more design freedom in setting the center of gravity of the cam, and achieve high responsiveness. The above object is achieved by a cam configured to make contact with an inner race and an outer race by a rotational moment applied in an engaged direction by an annular spring, in which a plurality of cam plates having an identical outer contour and arranged in parallel along a direction of the pivot axis are coupled together and united by a connecting pin extending in the direction of the pivot axis, and the annular spring is configured to be mountable between adjacent cam plates and/or on an outer side of the plurality of cam plates in the direction of the pivot axis.