Claw Coupling Force Distribution via Tangent Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing claw clutches experience deformation due to uneven pressure distribution, leading to high edge pressure on the pressure body arrangement, which can be mitigated by limiting torque or using a rigid disc, but these solutions restrict design or require complex calculations.
Innovation Solution
The claw clutch design features claw and pressure body surfaces with specific geometric parameters where the innermost point of the claw surface is tangent to the center points of both circular paths, and pressure bodies with spacers to distribute forces evenly, eliminating the need for extensive calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the maximum permissible torque is limited to prevent deformation, then the pressure body arrangement deformation is counteracted, but the torque transmission capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the claw surfaces and pressure body surfaces, specifically setting the radius of the circular path for pressure body surface curvature to be smaller than that of the claw surfaces. This parameter change optimizes the force distribution on pressure bodies, allowing higher torque transmission while preventing ring element deformation through improved mechanical leverage and force balance.
2Strength
If a rigid disc replaces the ring element to increase rigidity, then the pressure body arrangement rigidity is improved, but the shaft protrusion capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively reinforcing only the critical areas of the ring element rather than making the entire structure rigid. The optimized curvature radii of pressure body surfaces create localized force distribution that strengthens the ring element's resistance to deformation while preserving the overall flexible structure needed for shaft protrusion and elastic deformation during operation.
3Stress or pressure
If the curvatures of claw and pressure body surfaces are optimized to reduce edge pressure, then the radially inward forces are reduced, but extensive calculations and tests are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific mathematical relationships between the curvature radii parameters (radius of pressure body surface circular path being smaller than claw surface circular path radius) that naturally optimize force distribution. These standardized parameter relationships provide a systematic design approach that reduces edge pressure and radially inward forces while avoiding the need for extensive individual calculations and tests for each design case.
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 optimizes force distribution, preventing ring element deformation at nominal torque and allowing for easy and cost-effective manufacturing, with forces acting radially inward and outward canceling each other, ensuring no deformation and efficient torque transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the two coupling elements rotate relative to one another in accordance with the applied torque and the rigidity of the elastic material of the pressure hull arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a claw coupling in which the radius (R1) of a first circular path of a claw surface (9, 10) and the radius (R2) of a second circular path of a pressure body surface (13) engaging with this claw surface (9, 10) are tangent to each other at the radially innermost point (17) of the claw surface (9, 10), and this radially innermost point (17) of the claw surface (9, 10) is arranged on a common straight line (18) with the center (M1) of the first circular path and the center (M2) of the second circular path.