Clutch Operation Bracket Structure for Lower Sliding Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clutch unit design results in high sliding resistance between the operation bracket and the housing due to a large contact area, which affects the operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The clutch unit design incorporates an operation bracket with a facing portion that faces the housing with a gap, a fastened portion that penetrates through holes in the housing, and a sliding-contact portion that minimizes friction by limiting contact with the housing, thereby reducing sliding resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the operation bracket is fastened to the housing with a large contact area, then the structural stability is improved, but the sliding resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation bracket is divided into multiple portions: a facing portion that faces the housing with a gap, a fastened portion that penetrates the housing, and a sliding-contact portion that has limited contact. This segmentation allows different portions to serve different functions - structural support without excessive friction
Solution Approach 2:
The fastened portion acts as an intermediary element that penetrates the housing to provide secure fastening, while the sliding-contact portion provides minimal necessary contact. This intermediary structure achieves both stability and reduced sliding resistance
2Stability of the object's composition
If the facing portion of the operation bracket contacts the housing, then the positional stability is improved, but the friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the operation bracket have different contact characteristics with the housing. The facing portion maintains a gap for minimal contact, while the sliding-contact portion provides localized contact only where necessary. This local differentiation optimizes both stability and energy efficiency
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 effectively reduces the sliding resistance between the operation bracket and the housing, enhancing the operational efficiency and reducing frictional forces.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding-contact portion that extends from the facing portion toward the bottom surface of the housing and comes into sliding-contact with the bottom surface of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch unit includes an operation lever, an operation member, an input-side clutch, an output-side clutch, and a bottomed cylindrical housing. The input-side clutch includes an input-side inner ring member and an operation bracket. The operation bracket includes an engagement portion that engages with the input-side inner ring member, a facing portion that faces the bottom surface of the housing with a gap therebetween, a fastened portion that penetrates a through hole formed in the bottom surface of the housing and is fastened to the operation member, and a sliding-contact portion that extends from the facing portion toward the bottom surface of the housing and comes into sliding-contact with the bottom surface of the housing.