Flexible Clutch Extension Segments for Pet Door Torque Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for pet doors fail to safely disengage the driving force when encountering resistance greater than normal operational torque, posing risks to children or pets due to unanticipated obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A flexible clutch system comprising a gear with cogs and a coaxial receptor with extension segments, allowing the gear to rotate independently of the driven shaft when encountering excessive resistance, utilizing acetal copolymer materials for efficient energy transfer and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid coupling mechanism is used to ensure reliable torque transmission, then the reliability of power transmission is improved, but the system cannot safely disengage when encountering excessive resistance, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism transforms the rigid coupling into a dynamic system where the flexible extension segments can deflect under excessive load. The segments maintain engagement during normal operation but automatically disengage when resistance exceeds the spring constant threshold, enabling the system to adapt its stiffness based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameter of coupling stiffness dynamically. During normal operation, the extension segments remain straight providing rigid coupling. When excessive resistance is encountered, the segments bend, changing the coupling from rigid to flexible, thereby protecting against safety hazards while maintaining reliable power transmission under normal conditions.
2Reliability
If the extension segments are made more flexible to improve safety disengagement, then the ability to disengage under excessive resistance is improved, but the efficiency of energy transfer during normal operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible extension segments dynamically adjust their stiffness based on load conditions. Under normal operational torque, the segments remain sufficiently rigid to efficiently transfer energy. When excessive resistance is encountered, they become flexible enough to allow disengagement, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical property of the extension segments changes based on applied load. The segments are designed with specific material properties and geometric dimensions that maintain high stiffness during normal operation for efficient energy transfer, but become flexible when the spring constant is exceeded, enabling safe disengagement.
3Loss of energy
If the extension segments are made more rigid to improve energy transfer efficiency, then the efficiency of energy transfer is improved, but the system fails to disengage when encountering resistance greater than normal operational torque
Solution Approach 1:
The extension segments provide dynamic stiffness adjustment rather than fixed rigidity. They maintain sufficient rigidity during normal operation to ensure efficient energy transfer, but automatically become flexible when the spring constant threshold is exceeded, enabling the system to disengage and prevent harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stiffness parameter of the extension segments based on operational conditions. The segments are engineered with specific material and geometric properties that provide high stiffness for efficient energy transfer under normal torque, but allow flexibility and disengagement when resistance exceeds the designed spring constant.
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 system effectively reduces driving force when encountering unanticipated resistance, preventing damage or injury by allowing the gear to rotate without engaging the driven shaft, ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The flexibility of the extension segments is adapted so that if the driven shaft encounters resistance to rotation greater than the range for normal operation, the extension segments flex outwardly from the gear
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch is provided for releasably coupling an axially rotatable driving shaft to a coaxial driven shaft. The clutch comprises a gear, having a plurality of cogs, coaxially secured to one of said driving shaft or said driven shaft; and a receptor coaxially secured to the other of said driving shaft or said driven shaft. The receptor comprises a hub and a plurality of flexible extension segments defining a cavity matingly engaging the gear cogs. When the driven shaft encounters rotational resistance greater than a range of normal operation, the extension segments flex out of engagement with the gear cogs to allow rotation of the driving shaft without rotation of the driven shaft.