Electromagnet Axial Positioning in Rotation Transmission Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotation transmission devices face challenges in stably mounting the electromagnet, leading to unstable operation and noise due to unstable machining accuracy, requiring high spring force elastic members that are costly and difficult to mount, and involving numerous parts and high fixing costs.

Innovation Solution

A rotation transmission device with an electromagnetic clutch where the electromagnet is axially positioned using a smaller spring force elastic member and a simplified structure, eliminating the need for a separate flange by using a snap ring and disc spring to securely hold the electromagnet in place, reducing the number of parts and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electromagnet is mounted using a conventional elastic member with large spring force, then the electromagnet is stably positioned, but the elastic member is costly and difficult to mount

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of electromagnet positioningVSAvoidease of mounting snap ring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A flange is introduced as an intermediary component between the electromagnet and the snap ring. The flange distributes the positioning force and provides a larger surface area for the snap ring to engage, reducing the required spring force of the elastic member while maintaining stable positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning structure is segmented into multiple functional components: the flange for force distribution, the snap ring for retention, and the elastic member for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall complexity and cost of mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the electromagnet is mounted using a conventional elastic member with large spring force, then the electromagnet is stably positioned, but the elastic member has large diameter and high cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of electromagnet positioningVSAvoiddiameter and cost of elastic member
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange acts as a mediator that amplifies the positioning effect. By providing a larger lever arm and force distribution area, the flange allows a smaller-diameter elastic member with lower spring force to achieve the same positioning stability, reducing both size and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the electromagnet is unstably mounted, then the structure is simpler, but the electromagnet vibrates producing noise and destabilizing the two-way clutch operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of mounting structureVSAvoidnoise from vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flange serves as a vibration-dampening intermediary between the electromagnet and the housing. It provides a larger contact area that distributes vibrational forces, reducing the amplitude of vibrations and thereby minimizing noise generation while maintaining operational stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member positioned between the flange and the housing provides beforehand cushioning against vibrations. This pre-positioned elastic element absorbs vibrational energy before it can propagate through the structure, reducing noise and stabilizing the two-way clutch operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 allows for easier and less costly mounting of the snap ring, reduces noise, and stabilizes the operation of the two-way clutch with a smaller, less expensive elastic member, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement of the clutch.

Implementation Method 1

By energizing the electromagnetic coil of the electromagnet, the armature is magnetically attracted toward the electromagnet until pressed against the rotor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS7604105B2Rotation transmission device
Publication Date: 2009.10.20 NTN CORP
  • US7604105B2 patent drawing
  • US7604105B2 patent drawing
  • US7604105B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotation transmission device includes inner and outer rings and a two-way clutch therebetween. An electromagnetic clutch is provided to selectively engage and disengage the two-way clutch, and includes an electromagnet having a core to which a flange is secured. The flange is received in a recess formed in a stationary member. A snap ring is engaged in a groove formed in the recess to prevent the flange from coming out of the recess. An elastic member is disposed between the flange and the end wall of the recess. The elastic member presses the flange against the snap ring, thereby axially positioning the electromagnet. The elastic member is free of load resulting from magnetic attraction of the electromagnet when energized. This makes it possible to reduce the spring force of the elastic member and thus its diameter and cost.