Clutch-Brake Assembly With Segmented Friction Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch-brake apparatuses face issues with smooth operation, high load capability, durability, and reliability, particularly in applications like lawn mowers, where they often experience friction surface burnout and limited practical use.
Innovation Solution
A clutch-brake apparatus featuring a shaft sleeve, actuating disc, braking disc, friction disc, and main coupling body with taper grooves and steel balls for axial movement, along with biasing springs for friction engagement and disengagement, allowing for easy operation and high load capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction coupling apparatus is used, then braking function is achieved, but the friction surface may be burnt out easily and cannot bear high load
Solution Approach 1:
The friction component is divided into separate braking surface and clutch surface portions, allowing independent optimization of each surface for its specific function (braking vs. power transmission), improving both durability and load capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The friction component uses composite material structure with different material properties for braking and clutch functions, enabling the braking surface to withstand high temperatures while the clutch surface handles high mechanical loads
2Strength
If a clutch-brake assembly with multiple disks is used, then load capability is improved, but the operation is not smooth particularly in the process of starting
Solution Approach 1:
The spring pre-compresses the brake pad against the brake surface before operation, ensuring immediate engagement and smooth starting response without delay or jerky motion
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly provides dynamic control of the friction surfaces during engagement, allowing progressive contact and smooth transition from disengaged to engaged state, improving starting smoothness
3Reliability
If a brake pad is biased against the brake surface to prevent rotation, then braking reliability is improved, but the friction surface may be burnt out easily
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pad is separated from the clutch assembly, with dedicated brake surfaces that can be optimized for heat dissipation and braking performance, preventing overheating and burnout while maintaining reliable braking
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly acts as an intermediary control mechanism that regulates the contact pressure between brake pad and brake surface, ensuring sufficient braking force while preventing excessive heat generation that could cause burnout
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
The apparatus provides reliable, stable, and durable operation with enhanced load capability, ensuring smooth braking and re-engagement by utilizing the friction disc and biasing springs to manage axial movement and friction forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the friction disc and biasing springs to manage axial movement and friction forces effectively
Implementation Method 2
biasing springs for friction engagement and disengagement
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a mechanical coupling apparatus, in particular, a clutch-brake apparatus comprising an actuating disc (10), a braking disc (30), a shaft sleeve (41), a friction disc (50), a main coupling body (60), an intermediate disc (70), and a cutting tool seat (80). The coupling and dis-coupling between the main coupling body (60) and a flange (45) of the shaft sleeve is achieved by a cooperative motion between the intermediate disc (70) and the adjacent main coupling body (60) and the cutting tool seat (80). The clutch-brake apparatus can be used for coupling of the engine and cutting blades of a lawn mower or other applications, and is reliable, of high load capability, stable and durable.