Clutch Actuation Assembly Flexing to Inhibit Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch mechanisms for machines like hay balers are not reliable and user-friendly, particularly in preventing binding issues between the dog and actuation assembly, which can lead to inefficiencies and damage during operation.
Innovation Solution
A clutch mechanism with an actuation assembly that includes two pivotable members capable of independent rotation about a common pivot, allowing for flexibility to inhibit binding, and a counterweight to redundantly urge the members to a neutral position, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement of the dog with the driving lug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rigid actuation member is used to control the dog clutch, then the structure is simple, but binding occurs between the dog and actuation assembly during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly is divided into two separate pivotable members (first and second members) that can move independently about a common pivot. This segmentation allows each member to flex independently, preventing binding between the dog and actuation assembly while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation members are designed to be dynamically flexible rather than rigid. The pivotable members can rotate and adjust their positions during operation, allowing the assembly to adapt to operational variations and prevent binding while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the actuation members are made flexible to prevent binding, then operational reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the actuation assembly into two independently pivotable members, the patent achieves flexibility for binding prevention without requiring complex mechanisms. Each member remains relatively simple in structure while collectively providing the needed flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The two pivotable members serve multiple functions: they transmit actuation force, provide flexibility to prevent binding, and can be controlled by a single control element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded relief is provided at the dog-engaging seat, then yieldable relief is available during binding, but the mechanism still experiences binding issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static spring-loaded relief mechanism to a dynamic system where the actuation members themselves can pivot and flex. This dynamic flexibility provides relief during binding without requiring complex spring mechanisms, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clutch (18) for selectively driving a mechanism is disclosed. The clutch (18) comprises a driven rotating member (22) having a driving lug (30) positioned on an inner annular surface (34) and having an outer surface (70), a dog (26) movable between an engaged position for driving the mechanism and a disengaged position; and an actuation assembly (52) having a pivot (64) and movable between a retaining position for holding the dog (26) in the disengaged position and a release position for releasing the dog (26) to the engaged position. In order to provide a reliable and user-friendly clutch, the actuation assembly (52) comprises a first member (54) pivotable about the pivot (64) between the retaining position and the release position, the first member (54) having a follower (68) configured to selectively follow the outer surface (70) of the rotating member (22), and a second member (58) pivotable about the pivot (64) between the retaining position and the release position, the second member (58) extending towards the dog (26) in the retaining position for holding the dog (26) in the disengaged position, wherein the second member (58) is coupled to the first member (54) at the pivot (64) such that the first and second members (54, 58) are independently pivotable about the pivot (64) such that the actuation assembly (52) is capable of flexing about the pivot (64) to inhibit binding between the dog (26) and the actuation assembly (52).