Interlocked Cam Clutch for Smooth Mode Switching Without Wedging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam clutches experience unwanted wedging and reduced service life due to the need for high force to switch between operation modes, leading to structural complexity and increased component count, which can result in damage to engaging surfaces and raceways.
Innovation Solution
A cam clutch design featuring a cam interlock mechanism that coordinates the tilting motion of first and second cams, utilizing cage rings to facilitate smooth operation mode switching without requiring intricate synchronization with the input-side rotating body, thereby preventing accidental wedging and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate mechanism is used to switch operation modes, then the cam clutch can be switched between free mode and lock mode, but the size and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switching mechanism with the existing cam structure by using the inner race as both the input member and the switching actuator. The inner race directly tilts the cams to switch between free mode and lock mode without requiring a separate switching mechanism, thereby reducing component count while maintaining operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The inner race serves multiple functions: it is both the input-side rotating body that transmits torque and the switching actuator that controls the operation mode by tilting the cams. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated switching components and simplifies the overall structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If high force is applied to change cam postures, then the cam clutch can switch from lock mode to free mode, but the engaging surfaces and raceways may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means continuously exerts a tilting force on the cams in the disengaging direction, keeping them pre-positioned away from the raceways. When switching to free mode is required, the cams are already tilted and ready to be fully disengaged by the inner race rotation, eliminating the need for high-force sudden changes that would damage the engaging surfaces
3Power
If the outer race is used as the input-side rotating body, then the cam clutch can transmit torque, but the posture change members must rotate in sync with the outer race requiring complex synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the outer race as the input member, the patent inverts the configuration and uses the inner race as the input-side rotating body. This inversion simplifies the system because the inner race can directly tilt the cams through its rotation without requiring any synchronization mechanism with the outer race, while still maintaining full torque transmission capability
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 design enables smooth operation mode switching with high responsiveness, reduces the risk of damage to engaging surfaces and raceways, and prolongs the service life of the cam clutch by eliminating the need for high force changes and minimizing structural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means biasing each of the plurality of cams to make contact with the inner race and the outer race
Implementation Method 2
a cam interlock mechanism that tilts each of the plurality of cams in a coordinated manner, the cam interlock mechanism being configured to tilt the second cams in a disengaging direction with a tilting motion of the first cams in an engaging direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims at providing a cam clutch that prevents cams from unwanted wedging and enables smooth operation including the switching between operation modes without involving an increase in size or number of components and with a simple structure. The cam clutch according to the present invention uses first cams and second cams having different engaging directions as sprags for transmitting and interrupting torque between an inner race and an outer race. A cam interlock mechanism tilts the second cams to a disengaging direction with a tilting motion of the first cams toward an engaging direction, to separate engaging surfaces of the second cams from raceways of the inner race and/or the outer race.