Direct-Push Clutch Structure for Compact Stable Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frictional clutches, particularly electromagnetic and hydraulic types, have complex structures, limited clutching power, and are difficult to install in narrow spaces due to their size and susceptibility to pause and setback, leading to operational instability and high fabrication costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified clutch structure with a mechanical direct pushing mechanism, utilizing a push unit with a spring holder and compression spring to ensure smooth rotation and effective torque transmission, reducing pause and setback, and enabling easy installation in narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electromagnetic type clutch is used, then clutching power is induced by electromagnetic force, but the structure becomes complicated and widthwise dimension becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuation system with a purely mechanical direct pushing mechanism. The push unit with compression spring directly transmits mechanical force to engage the clutch plates, eliminating electromagnetic valves, electrical components, and complex wiring while maintaining effective clutching power through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electromagnetic components (electromagnetic valve, electrical components, electrical wires) from the clutch structure, retaining only the essential mechanical elements needed for clutch engagement. This extraction simplifies the overall structure and reduces the widthwise dimension.
2Power
If hydraulic type clutch is used, then clutching power is generated, but the structure becomes extremely sophisticated and hydraulic fluid channels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with a direct mechanical pushing mechanism. Instead of requiring hydraulic fluid channels, pumps, and control valves, the invention uses a compression spring-based push unit that directly transmits mechanical force to engage the clutch plates, dramatically simplifying the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all hydraulic components (hydraulic fluid channels, hydraulic fluid, hydraulic control elements) from the clutch structure, retaining only the essential mechanical elements. This extraction eliminates the need for sophisticated hydraulic systems while maintaining clutching power.
3Ease of operation
If external drive assembly is used to drive pushing member radially, then lining plates are combined together, but the overall width is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the actuation direction from radial movement of the pushing member to axial movement of the push unit. The compression spring acts axially to push the push unit, which then engages the clutch plates axially, eliminating the need for radial movement and the associated external drive assembly, thereby reducing overall width.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an external drive assembly to radially drive the pushing member, the patent inverts the approach by using an axial compression spring to directly push the push unit axially. This inversion of the actuation mechanism eliminates the radial movement requirement and reduces the overall width of the clutch assembly.
4Reliability
If pushing member contacts lining plates in static condition, then transmission shaft rotates in unison, but pause and setback occur leading to transmission delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including the compression spring and roller bearings that allow for smooth, continuous motion during clutch engagement. The spring provides progressive force application while the roller bearings reduce friction, eliminating pause and setback during rotation and ensuring smooth power transmission without delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces roller bearings as intermediary elements between the rotating components. These rollers mediate the contact between the push unit and the clutch plates, reducing friction and preventing pause and setback during rotation, thereby eliminating transmission delays and improving reliability.
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 provides enhanced reliability and positive drivability by directly transmitting rotation power with reduced pause and setback, allowing for efficient clutching force establishment and improved operability.
Implementation Method 1
a push unit 300 that includes a spring holder 33 and a compression spring 38
Data Source
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AI summary
A clutch structure that includes a motor (12) to directly drive a rotary disc (20) of an actuation unit (200), and the actuation unit (200) further directly act on a push unit (300), so as to achieve reduction of size. Further, the push unit (300) has a spring holder (33) that drives a push bracket (30) to press against a clutching unit (40), and the push bracket (30) and the clutching unit (40) are rotatably in synchronization with each other and a group of balls (32) is arranged between the push bracket (30) and the spring holder (33), such that smooth rotation can be maintained even during the process of pressing to thereby effectively reduce pause and setback incurring in coupling and connection and also to efficiently establish a transmission clutching force to have the operability not affected by the delay.