Clutch Mechanism Using Cam Surface for Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch mechanisms for small-sized devices like tape feeders face challenges in energy efficiency, size reduction, and complexity, with electric-powered brake devices constantly consuming power and inverse input clutches having intricate structures that hinder downsizing.
Innovation Solution
A clutch mechanism with a cylindrical housing chamber, coaxial output and input rotators, engagement pieces, and a biasing member that uses a cam surface and pressure transmission portions to transmit and lock rotational forces without external power, allowing for downsizing and improved operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electric-powered brake device is used to hold the rotational position, then the stop position can be fixed accurately, but the device constantly consumes electric power and increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism uses the output rotator's own rotation to automatically engage and disengage the engagement piece through the cam surface, eliminating the need for external power sources or control systems. The biasing member provides automatic resetting without requiring external energy input.
2Reliability
If an inverse input clutch with a lock mechanism is used to transmit rotational force, then the output-side member can be locked when subject to external rotational force, but the structure becomes complicated and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission force and locking functions are merged into a single engagement piece that performs both operations. The engagement piece simultaneously transmits torque during normal operation and provides locking when the output rotator rotates in the reverse direction, eliminating the need for separate transmission and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement piece serves multiple functions: it transmits rotational force during normal operation, locks the output rotator during reverse rotation, and automatically disengages when the biasing member resets it. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components required.
3Volume of moving object
If the spacing between engagement pieces is widened to reduce the diameter of engagement pieces, then the device can be downsized, but the wedge-shaped portion angle becomes larger and engagement fails
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface is designed with a curved profile that gradually changes the radial position of the engagement piece. This curved geometry allows the engagement piece to be pushed radially inward smoothly during engagement while maintaining an appropriate wedge angle, enabling downsizing without compromising engagement reliability.
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 solution enables energy-saving, compact design, and enhanced durability with reduced friction and stable biasing force, facilitating smooth rotation and effective locking of the output rotator.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the engagement piece toward one side of the circumferential direction
Implementation Method 2
The output rotator has on the outer circumferential surface thereof a cam surface configured to gradually reduce the space from the inner circumferential surface of the housing chamber toward the one side
Implementation Method 3
the engagement piece is disposed in contact with the cam surface and the inner circumferential surface of the housing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a clutch mechanism that allows easy downsizing and produces favorable productivity. Output rotator has on the outer circumferential surface thereof cam surfaces and configured to gradually reduce the space from a housing chamber inner circumferential surface toward one side and recesses adjacent to the one side of the cam surfaces. Input rotator has pressure transmission portions that are fitted with circumferential play to the recesses and are protruded from the insides of the recesses in a centrifugal direction. Engagement pieces are disposed in contact with the cam surfaces and the housing chamber inner circumferential surface. When the input rotator rotates toward the other side relative to the one side, the pressure transmission portions abut against the engagement pieces and then abut against circumferential end surfaces in the recesses to press and move the output rotator.