Clutch Pack Speed Sensor Ring for Angular Velocity Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch assemblies lack an efficient mechanism to accurately measure the angular velocity of a rotational member relative to a housing while regulating movement, which is crucial for effective braking systems in vehicles and mobile implements.
Innovation Solution
A clutch assembly that includes a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotational member, allowing it to rotate with the member and measure angular velocity, coupled with a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring to accurately determine the angular velocity, and a clutch pack with friction and separator disks that axially move to regulate movement, ensuring accurate interaction with the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a speed sensor ring is added to the clutch assembly to measure angular velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speed sensor ring is integrated into the clutch pack assembly, merging the measurement function with the existing clutch structure. The sensor ring is positioned within the clutch pack and rotates with the rotational member, combining speed measurement capability with the clutch's mechanical components rather than adding a separate independent sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch pack is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides friction engagement for clutch operation and simultaneously supports the speed sensor ring for angular velocity measurement. The sensor ring is coupled to the rotational member through the clutch pack structure, allowing the same mechanical assembly to fulfill both mechanical and sensing roles.
2Reliability
If the speed sensor ring width is increased to improve sensor communication, then measurement reliability is improved, but the width ratio relative to friction disks increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the ratio of the speed sensor ring width to the friction disk width is greater than 1.5. This parameter change ensures that the sensor ring has sufficient width to maintain reliable communication with the sensor while positioned within the clutch pack. The increased width provides better engagement surface and more stable magnetic or optical coupling with the sensor.
3Manufacturing precision
If the clutch pack is designed to axially move to regulate movement, then control precision is improved, but the number of moving parts increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The movement regulation function is merged into the clutch pack's axial movement capability. The clutch pack, including the sensor ring, friction disks, and separator disks, is designed to move axially as a coordinated assembly. This single axial movement action simultaneously achieves clutch engagement/disengagement and maintains sensor ring positioning for continuous speed measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly includes a housing, a rotational member configured to rotate relative to the housing about an axis, and a clutch pack coupled between the housing and the rotational member. The clutch pack is configured to regulate movement of the rotational member relative to the housing. The clutch pack includes a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotational member such that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate with the rotational member about the axis. The clutch assembly includes a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring. The sensor is configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotational member relative to the housing.