Multi-Row Cam Clutch Selector for Stable Low-Force Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam clutches require a large drive force and precise control for switching between locked and free states, leading to potential damage and increased complexity, with limited mode switch options and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A cam clutch design featuring a cage member and selector with orientation changing parts, allowing for the cams to be arranged in rows and switched using a single selector, reducing the need for precise positioning and rotation control, and incorporating a cam actuator and release portion for efficient orientation change with a smaller drive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pin members are positioned away from the pivot point to generate large drive force for changing cam orientation, then the drive force increases, but the pins require precise positioning and the rotation angle of the cam orientation changing part must be controlled precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The cam orientation control surface is segmented into two distinct functional portions: a cam actuator portion for ordinary operation and a cam release portion for releasing cam engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, with the release portion positioned to provide sufficient drive force without requiring precise positioning of multiple pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam release portion is extracted as a distinct functional element from the ordinary cam actuator portion. By separating the release function from the actuator function, the design eliminates the need for precise positioning of multiple pins, as the release portion can be positioned radially outward to provide the necessary drive force independently.
2Force
If a large drive force is used to change cam orientation during torque transmission, then the cam orientation can be changed, but the raceways of the inner and outer races suffer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cam release portion is designed to preliminarily engage the cam surfaces before full torque transmission begins. By positioning the release portion radially outward, it can initiate cam orientation change in advance, reducing the peak drive force required during torque transmission and thereby preventing raceway damage.
3Power
If multiple pin members are used to change cam orientation, then the cam clutch provides desired torque capacity, but the mechanism and actuator must be made large
Solution Approach 1:
The cam orientation control surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both a cam actuator surface for ordinary operation and a cam release surface for releasing engagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators for each function, reducing the overall actuator size while maintaining the required torque capacity.
4Force
If pin members are positioned away from the pivot point, then a relatively large drive force can be generated, but the pins need to be positioned precisely relative to each other and the rotation angle must be controlled precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The cam orientation control surface exhibits local quality by having different functional characteristics at different radial positions. The cam actuator portion is positioned for ordinary operation, while the cam release portion is positioned radially outward to provide enhanced drive force. This local differentiation allows the release portion to operate with less precise control requirements.
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
This design enables stable, responsive operation with reduced component size and cost, improved durability, and increased mode switch options, while minimizing damage to raceways and allowing for simpler selector structure and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a cam orientation control surface in contact with a cam surface of the cams and capable of changing an orientation of the cams
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a simple-structured cam clutch that does not require precise control, uses a smaller drive force, provides improved clutch operation stability and high responsiveness, and offers more mode switch options. The cam clutch includes a plurality of cams circumferentially arranged between an inner race and an outer race. The cams are arranged in a plurality of rows adjacent each other in a direction of rotation axis. The cam clutch has a selector that allows a rotation angle thereof to be controlled relative to the inner race or the outer race. The selector has a cam orientation control surface capable of changing the orientation of at least one row of cams by making contact with a cam surface. The cam orientation control surface includes a cam release portion radially protruded toward the cams more than a cam actuator portion and moving the cams to a non-operating orientation.