Clutch Actuator Multiple Thread Worm Gear Responsiveness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The responsiveness of clutch operations in saddle-type vehicles, such as motorcycles, is compromised due to the slow reciprocating motion of the output rod not adequately following the rotary motion of the motor in existing clutch actuators, leading to low responsiveness in clutch apply and release operations.
Innovation Solution
The clutch actuator incorporates a worm shaft with a multiple thread screw, increasing the lead angle of the worm wheel, which reduces the axle ratio of the worm gear, enhancing the responsiveness of the output rod and improving the efficiency of clutch engage and disengage operations by using a motor with a motor shaft, a worm wheel, and a crankshaft that converts rotary motion to axial reciprocating motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single thread worm gear is used in the clutch actuator, then the structure is simple, but the responsiveness of clutch operation is low due to slow reciprocating motion of the output rod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the worm gear from single thread to multiple threads. This parameter change increases the lead angle of the worm wheel, which directly improves the speed and responsiveness of the output rod's reciprocating motion, allowing it to rapidly follow the motor's rotary motion without significantly complicating the overall structure
2Productivity
If a multiple thread worm gear is used to improve responsiveness, then the clutch operation becomes more responsive, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the thread configuration from single to multiple threads, the patent achieves faster clutch operation while the manufacturing complexity remains manageable through standard multiple thread screw fabrication techniques
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 configuration significantly improves the responsiveness of clutch apply and release operations by ensuring the reciprocating motion of the output rod rapidly follows the rotary motion of the motor, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of clutch engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a worm shaft 103 having a thread portion and rotating coaxially with the motor shaft 60b; a worm wheel 105 in engagement with the thread portion
Implementation Method 2
the thread portion 103c is a multiple thread screw
Implementation Method 3
a crankshaft 110 that converts the rotary motion of the worm wheel 105 to the reciprocating motion of the output rod 120
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a clutch actuator, in particular for a saddle-type vehicle, comprising a motor, a worm shaft comprising a threaded portion having multiple threads (103d) and being movable rotationally by the motor, a worm wheel in engagement with the threaded portion, an output rod which is configured to engage and disengage a multiple-disc friction clutch by axial reciprocating movement; and a crankshaft that converts the rotary motion of the worm wheel to the reciprocating motion of the output rod.