Coupling Assembly Overrun Mode Locking Member Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current overrunning coupling assemblies require high force to disengage from a torque-locked state, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage during freewheeling operations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a locking member that includes a nose, tail, and main body, featuring oppositely projecting pivots and a control element-engaging appendage, allows for pivotal motion to reduce the force needed to move from a coupling to an uncoupling position, enabling easier disengagement with a control element that creates a moment about the pivot axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a locking member is used to transfer torque between coupling members, then torque transfer capability is improved, but the force required to disengage the locking member becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed with pivots that enable it to rotate about a pivot axis, transitioning dynamically between engaged and disengaged states. This rotational movement allows the locking member to disengage by rotating away from the coupling member, significantly reducing the disengagement force compared to linear withdrawal
Solution Approach 2:
The disengagement mechanism utilizes rotational motion about a pivot axis rather than linear motion. By changing the dimension of movement from axial (linear) to radial (rotational), the patent reduces the force required to disengage the locking member while maintaining torque transfer capability during engagement
2Ease of operation
If the locking member is designed with a long moment arm for the control element, then the control capability is improved, but the force required to operate the control element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is positioned to engage the locking member at a location that creates a moment about the pivot axis, utilizing the rotational leverage already established by the pivot configuration. This preliminary positioning of the control force along the moment arm allows efficient actuation without requiring excessive force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the moment arm length and control element positioning to achieve an optimal balance between control capability and operating force. By adjusting the geometric parameters of the control mechanism, the design achieves sufficient control authority while minimizing the force required from the control element
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 reduces the force required to disengage the locking member, enhancing operational efficiency and safety during torque transfer and freewheeling modes by minimizing the moment needed to transition out of the coupling position.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of oppositely projecting pivots which extend laterally from the tail for enabling pivotal motion of the locking member about a pivot axis which intersects the pivots
Implementation Method 2
The control element engages the appendage to create a moment of the locking member about the pivot axis to urge the locking member from the coupling position towards the uncoupling position
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a locking member for use therein are provided. The locking member includes a first member-engaging nose, a second member-engaging tail diametrically opposite the nose and a main body between the nose and the tail. A control element-engaging appendage extends downwardly from a lower face of the main body. A pair of oppositely projecting pivots extend laterally from the tail for enabling pivotal motion of the locking member about a pivot axis which intersects the pivots. A control element engages the appendage to create a moment of the locking member about the pivot axis to urge the locking member from a coupling position towards an uncoupling position. The moment decreases the amount of force needed by the control element to move the locking member out of the coupling position.