Clutch Locking Assembly With Plunger Restraint for Shock Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clutch assemblies face unintended deployment of locking elements during shock load events due to lack of rigid connection, leading to unintentional engagement between clutch members.
Innovation Solution
A cam-actuated locking assembly with a spring and actuator sub-assembly, where the locking element moves between engaged and disengaged positions, utilizing a socket and cam profile to prevent unintended deployment by interacting with a plunger that holds the locking element in the disengaged position during shock loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking element is not rigidly connected to the first member, then the locking element can move freely between engaged and disengaged positions, but the locking element may unintentionally deploy during shock load events
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is positioned in advance within the socket to prevent unintended deployment before shock loads occur. The plunger acts as a preliminary protective measure that keeps the locking element restrained in the disengaged position, preventing accidental activation during high G-load events while still allowing intentional deployment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger serves as an intermediary component between the locking element and the socket. It mediates the interaction by providing a controllable restriction that prevents unintended deployment while allowing intentional movement. The plunger translates control inputs into controlled deployment actions, separating the locking element from direct shock load effects.
2Reliability
If the locking element is rigidly connected to the first member, then unintended deployment is prevented, but the locking element cannot move freely between engaged and disengaged positions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the locking element and first member is made dynamic rather than static. The plunger provides a conditional constraint that adapts based on operational state: it restricts movement to prevent unintended deployment during normal operation, but allows free movement when intentionally actuated. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between rigidity for reliability and flexibility for operation.
3Reliability
If the locking element is held in the disengaged position during shock loads, then unintended engagement is prevented, but additional components are required to achieve this control
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger and socket are merged into an integrated assembly where the socket provides both the guiding structure and the retaining feature for the plunger. This combination reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the shock load protection function. The integrated design maintains reliability during shock loads without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
Prevents unintentional engagement of the locking element during shock loads, ensuring reliable coupling and decoupling of clutch members by maintaining the locking element in the disengaged position until intentionally actuated to the engaged position.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and actuator sub-assembly
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a socket and cam profile to prevent unintended deployment by interacting with a plunger
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly, the assembly may include a first member having a locking structure and a second member having a receiving area. The assembly may include a locking element supported in the receiving area of the second member, the locking element moving between an engaged position where the locking element holds or transfers torque between the first and second members and a disengaged position where the locking element holds or transfers no torque between the first and second members. The locking element includes a socket. Moreover, the assembly may include a reciprocating member in the socket when the locking element is in the disengaged position.