Clutch and Support Ring Tooth Geometry for Faster Meshing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing disconnector apparatuses, the flat surface structure at the tips of the teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring leads to impacts during meshing, resulting in a lengthy meshing time.
Innovation Solution
The structure incorporates at least one inclined contact surface on the clutch ring and a counterpart inclined contact surface on the support ring, allowing for smooth meshing by sliding contact when the rings interlock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat surface structure is used at the tips of the teeth of the clutch ring and support ring, then the manufacturing is simple, but impact occurs during meshing and meshing time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the flat surface structure at the tooth tips with an inclined surface structure. This curved/angled surface allows the teeth to engage gradually through sliding contact rather than abrupt collision, reducing impact and shortening meshing time while remaining manufacturable through standard machining processes.
2Device complexity
If flat surface structure is used at the tips of the teeth of the clutch ring and support ring, then the structure is simple, but impact occurs during meshing
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface introduces a geometric curvature/angle to the tooth tip, transforming the engagement from direct impact to gradual sliding contact. This simple geometric modification effectively eliminates the harmful impact while adding minimal structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If inclined contact surface is provided at the tip of the tooth, then meshing is smooth and impact is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface is applied only locally at the tip portion of the teeth, rather than throughout the entire tooth structure. This localized modification achieves smooth meshing and impact reduction while minimizing the increase in overall structural 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
This design enables the clutch ring and support ring to mesh smoothly, reducing impact and significantly shortening the meshing time, thereby improving the efficiency of the disconnector apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the inclined contact surface slides in a state in which the inclined contact surface in contact with the counterpart inclined contact surface when the clutch ring and the support ring mesh with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A structure of a clutch ring and a support ring includes at least one inclined contact surface provided at a tip of a tooth of the clutch ring, at least one counterpart inclined contact surface provided at a tip of a tooth of the support ring, wherein the inclined contact surface is configured to slide in a state in which the inclined contact surface is in contact with the counterpart inclined contact surface when the clutch ring and the support ring mesh with each other, such that the clutch ring and the support ring mesh with each other.