Internal-Gear One-Way Clutch for Compact High-Torque Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-way clutches face challenges in reducing diameter without compromising transmission torque or increasing axial size, particularly in internal-gear-type designs where tooth-shape strength is limited, and configurations that prevent size reduction can be unsuitable for certain apparatus applications.
Innovation Solution
A one-way clutch design featuring an outer member with an internal gear, an inner member with engagement portions, and planetary gears that engage and disengage based on rotation direction, with a top land of the internal gear abutting a bottom land of the planetary gear to optimize load distribution and maintain torque transmission while allowing diameter reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the one-way clutch is reduced, then the compactness is improved, but the tooth-shape strength of planetary gears decreases causing insufficient allowable transmission torque
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new dimensional relationship by having the top land of the internal gear abut on the bottom land of the planetary gear, creating a vertical load path that complements the traditional meshing action. This dimensional addition allows the planetary gear to withstand higher loads without increasing the overall diameter, effectively resolving the contradiction between compactness and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enhances the local quality of the gear engagement by ensuring specific surfaces (top land and bottom land) are properly engaged. This localized enhancement of the engagement interface improves the overall load-bearing capacity of the planetary gear system without requiring a proportional increase in the entire gear's size, thus maintaining compactness while improving strength.
2Strength
If the recesses of the inner member are disposed at positions that do not overlap each other in the axial direction to prevent reduction in diameter, then the tooth-shape strength is improved, but the axial size increases making the clutch unsuitable for certain apparatus configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention shifts the load-bearing mechanism from a purely axial arrangement (requiring non-overlapping recesses) to a radial arrangement where the top land abuts on the bottom land. This dimensional shift allows the planetary gears to be positioned more closely in the axial direction without sacrificing strength, thereby reducing the overall axial size while maintaining adequate tooth-shape strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-way clutch includes: an outer member that has an inner periphery including an internal gear; an inner member that is rotatably disposed, and includes an engagement portion; and a planetary gear that is rotatable relative to the inner member, meshes with the internal gear, and is prevented from rotating by engaging with the engagement portion, wherein in a state in which the outer member and the inner member rotate together, the planetary gear engages with the engagement portion; in a state in which relative rotation between the outer member and the inner member is performed, the planetary gear disengages from the engagement portion; and in a state in which the planetary gear engages with the engagement portion, a top land of the internal gear abuts on a bottom land of the planetary gear.