Dog Clutch Sliding Sleeve Tooth Structure for Compact Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog clutches used in drivetrains for connecting or decoupling accessory units face issues with undercuts on teeth being non-functional, uneconomical production, and a wedge-shaped configuration that reduces the base area of teeth, leading to reduced torque transmission efficiency and increased installation space.
Innovation Solution
A dog clutch design with a sliding sleeve having an inner toothing divided into two portions, one complementing the clutch body and the other the idler wheel, featuring beveled tooth flanks and a straight toothing configuration, which eliminates non-functional undercuts and allows for a narrower clutch body, reducing installation space and simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If undercuts are provided on the tooth flanks of the sliding sleeve, then lubrication between the guide sleeve and sliding sleeve is improved, but the base area of the teeth is reduced leading to reduced torque transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth flanks are segmented into different zones: a first zone with an undercut for lubrication and a second zone without undercut for torque transmission. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tooth flank are given different properties: the first region has an undercut to improve lubrication, while the second region maintains a full base area for effective torque transmission. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between lubrication needs and power transmission requirements.
2Reliability
If wedge-shaped teeth with undercuts are used, then engagement security during vibrations is improved, but the installation space and axial length increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a wedge shape to achieve engagement security, the patent inverts the approach by using a cylindrical shape with strategically placed undercuts. The undercuts are positioned only in the first region, allowing engagement security without the need for increased axial length from a wedge configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth structure is segmented into regions with and without undercuts, allowing the clutch body to maintain a compact cylindrical design while still providing secure engagement through the undercut features in the first region.
3Reliability
If undercuts are produced on every tooth by a milling cutter, then lubrication is improved, but production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The undercut feature is applied locally only in the first region of the tooth flank rather than on the entire tooth. This localized application maintains the lubrication benefit while significantly reducing the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process compared to providing undercuts on every tooth throughout their entire length.
4Area of stationary object
If the base area of teeth is reduced due to wedge-shaped configuration, then the clutch body can be made narrower, but torque transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth structure is divided into regions, with the second region maintaining a full base area for effective torque transmission. This allows the clutch body to remain compact while preserving the necessary tooth area for power transmission in the critical engagement zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The second region of the tooth flank is designed with optimal base area for torque transmission, while the first region accommodates the undercut for lubrication. This local optimization ensures that torque transmission efficiency is maintained in the region where it is most critical.
Data Source
AI summary
Clutch device with a dog clutch having inner toothing of a sliding sleeve which is displaceable as part of the dog clutch between a clutch body and the hub of an idler wheel along the outer teeth of the clutch body and the outer toothing of the hub for coupling and decoupling. The inner toothing of the sliding sleeve can be produced comparatively simply compared to the prior art and results in a reduced installation space.