Centrifugal Clutch Torque Regions for Smooth Startup Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission apparatuses in motorcycles with centrifugal clutches can experience sudden, unintentional power transmission due to accidental operation of the pressing assist cam when the vehicle starts to move, leading to rough vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
The power transmission apparatus includes a clutch housing with driving and driven clutch plates, a centrifugal clutch with a mass that moves between radially inner and outer positions, and a pressing assist cam, with a first and second torque region to restrict and allow operation of the pressing assist cam respectively, preventing sudden power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressing assist cam is provided to increase pressing force on clutch plates, then the operating force is reduced and power transmission is facilitated, but sudden unintentional power transmission occurs when the vehicle starts to move
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission range is segmented into two distinct regions: a first torque region where the pressing assist cam is restricted from operating, and a second torque region where the pressing assist cam is allowed to operate. This segmentation prevents accidental operation during initial torque increase while enabling assist operation when higher torque is transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational state of the pressing assist cam is changed based on the torque parameter. By monitoring the torque transmitted from input to output, the system transitions the pressing assist cam between restricted and allowed states, preventing accidental operation at low torque while enabling assist function at higher torque levels.
2Power
If the mass of the centrifugal clutch moves from radially inner position to radially outer position, then torque transmission increases, but the pressing assist cam may operate accidentally during this movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily restricts the pressing assist cam operation during the torque increase phase when the mass moves from radially inner to radially outer position. By preventing cam operation during this transition period, the system avoids accidental engagement while still allowing the centrifugal clutch to build up sufficient torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transmission level acts as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the centrifugal clutch mass position and the pressing assist cam operation. The system uses torque magnitude as a threshold-based mediator to determine when the pressing assist cam should be restricted versus when it should be allowed to operate.
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 prevents sudden, untimely power transmission by restricting the pressing assist cam's operation during initial torque increase, ensuring smooth vehicle startup and operation by allowing its operation only when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal clutch including a mass movable from a radially inner position to a radially outer position with centrifugal force produced by rotation of the clutch housing
Data Source
AI summary
During movement of a mass of a centrifugal clutch a radially inner position to a radially outer position and a resulting increase in torque transmitted from an input gear to an output shaft, a power transmission apparatus includes a first torque region where the apparatus restricts operation of a pressing assist cam and a second torque region where the apparatus allows operation of the pressing assist cam.