Clutch Cam Surface Layout for Independent Assist and Slipper Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch devices face challenges in independently setting desired torque values for assist torque and slipper torque without affecting each other, leading to unintended changes in torque values when adjusting the strength of coil springs.
Innovation Solution
The clutch device features inclined cam surfaces on both the center clutch and pressure clutch, allowing for separate control of assist torque and slipper torque by forming assist and slipper contact surfaces at different radial positions, enabling independent setting of torque values without altering the coil spring strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the strength of coil springs is adjusted to set the torque value of assist torque or slipper torque, then the desired torque value can be set, but the torque value of the other one (slipper torque or assist torque) is unintentionally changed
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surfaces between cam surfaces are segmented into distinct assist contact surface and slipper contact surface located at different radial positions. This segmentation allows independent torque control for assist torque and slipper torque, resolving the contradiction by enabling precise setting of one torque value without affecting the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radial positions are assigned different functional qualities: the assist contact surface at one radial position controls assist torque, while the slipper contact surface at another radial position controls slipper torque. This local differentiation enables independent torque setting, improving both precision and reliability.
2Speed
If multiple cam surfaces are provided on the same pressure member, then transmission or blocking of rotary drive force can be performed quickly, but the structure becomes complex and torque values cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from controlling multiple functions at the same location to controlling them at different radial dimensions. By positioning assist and slipper contact surfaces at different radial positions on the pressure member, the patent achieves both quick transmission/blocking and simplified independent torque control without increasing structural complexity.
3Force
If the coil spring strength is increased to improve torque control, then the desired torque can be achieved, but the weight and complexity of the spring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing spring strength (force parameter) to control torque, the patent changes the radial position parameter of contact surfaces. This allows torque control through geometric positioning rather than force magnitude adjustment, reducing spring system weight while maintaining torque control capability.
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 allows for precise setting of assist torque and slipper torque values, enhancing the clutch's operational flexibility and reducing the risk of unintended torque changes, while also providing improved design freedom and reduced weight through optimized cam surface positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the center-side assist cam surface and the pressure-side assist cam surface slide on each other to increase approaching force upon the approaching and the center-side slipper cam surface and the pressure-side slipper cam surface slide on each other to increase separation force upon the separation
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a clutch device configured so that different desired torque values can be set without influence between assist torque and slipper torque. A clutch device 100 includes a center clutch 105 holding clutch plates 104 arranged facing friction plates 103 to be rotatably driven by a drive shaft, and a pressure clutch 111. The center clutch 105 includes center-side assist cam surfaces 106a and center-side slipper cam surfaces 106b. The pressure clutch 111 includes pressure-side assist cam surfaces 112a and pressure-side slipper cam surfaces 112b. A contact surface between the center-side assist cam surface 106a and the pressure-side assist cam surface 112a and a contact surface between the center-side slipper cam surface 106b and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 112b are formed at different positions in a radial direction.