Controllable Overrunning Coupling with Partial Arc Raceway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional one-way brakes and clutches require expensive, heavy, and space-consuming annular raceways due to the need for even mass distribution and centrifugal force to prevent premature wear of locking elements during the overrun phase.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a cam plate, pocket plate, and struts, utilizing electromagnets to control the engagement of the second pocket plate, which is designed as a partial circular arc to reduce the size and weight of the raceway, eliminating the need for centrifugal force and allowing a non-circular shape without unbalance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional annular raceways are used to ensure even mass distribution and centrifugal force for locking elements, then reliability and durability are improved, but weight, cost, and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of the raceway (containing locking elements) from the conventional annular configuration. By using a partial circular arc raceway instead of a full annular raceway, the design removes unnecessary material while maintaining the core functionality of distributing locking elements and enabling centrifugal force during overrun phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous annular raceway into a partial circular arc configuration. This segmentation allows the raceway to maintain sufficient length for proper locking element distribution and centrifugal force generation while reducing overall material usage, weight, and space requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional annular raceways are used to distribute mass evenly and prevent unbalance, then rotational stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary portion of the annular raceway (partial circular arc) required to achieve proper mass distribution and rotational balance. This approach maintains sufficient stability for the application while dramatically simplifying manufacturing compared to producing complete annular raceways.
3Reliability
If conventional full annular raceways are used to contain locking elements, then engagement functionality is ensured, but space requirements and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential engagement functionality from the conventional full annular raceway design. By using a partial circular arc configuration, the raceway maintains sufficient area to contain and distribute locking elements for reliable engagement while reducing the overall footprint and material requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the raceway material only where needed (partial circular arc) rather than distributing it uniformly throughout a complete annulus. This localized approach maintains engagement functionality in the critical regions while eliminating unnecessary material in non-critical areas.
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
The solution reduces the cost, weight, and space requirements of the raceway while maintaining effective engagement and overrun functionality, thereby extending the lifespan of locking elements and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnets for causing the second struts to close said drive connection
Implementation Method 2
Centrifugal force is used to move the locking elements away from the output raceway to limit the duty cycle on the locking elements and springs during the overrun phase of the OWB
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device includes a first one-way coupling including a cam plate, pocket plate and struts, a second one-way coupling including a second cam plate driveably connected to the pocket plate, second pocket plate extending in a partial circular arc and secured to the cam plate, and second struts for opening and closing a drive connection between said second plates, and electromagnets for causing the second struts to close said drive connection.