Multi-Stage Clutch Structure for High Force in Compact Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch apparatuses face issues with high energy consumption, complex structure, difficulty in miniaturization, and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for materials with high friction coefficients to generate clutch force, and they lack design freedom.
Innovation Solution
A complex clutch apparatus with multiple stages of power transmission, utilizing a rotating block, C-shaped plate spring, and elastic body to generate clutch force through frictional interactions between inclined protrusion parts and adjustable components, allowing for miniaturization and varied material use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If materials with high coefficient of friction are used to generate clutch force, then clutch force is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch force generation is segmented into multiple independent friction interfaces: the first friction interface between the clutch plate and clutch gear, and the second friction interface between the rotating block and clutch gear. This segmentation allows each interface to use different material combinations optimized for cost rather than requiring expensive high-friction materials throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters by introducing inclined protrusion parts with specific inclination angles (alpha and beta) to optimize the friction force generation. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the system achieves high clutch force through mechanical advantage rather than relying solely on high-friction material properties.
2Force
If clutch gear and clutch plate are made large in size, then clutch force is improved, but overall size of clutch apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the axial dimension by introducing inclined protrusion parts that extend along the axial direction of the clutch gear. The first and second inclined protrusion parts create friction interfaces in the axial direction, allowing clutch force generation without increasing the radial size of the clutch plate and clutch gear, thus maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch force generation is divided into multiple segmented friction interfaces distributed along the axial direction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total clutch force through the cumulative effect of multiple smaller friction interfaces rather than requiring a single large friction interface, thereby maintaining compact dimensions.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-stage clutch structure is used, then structure is simple, but clutch force is insufficient and miniaturization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch apparatus is segmented into multiple functional components: clutch plate, clutch gear with inclined protrusion parts, and rotating block. This segmentation creates multiple friction interfaces that generate clutch force in series, allowing the system to achieve high clutch force while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures that are easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating block is nested within the clutch gear structure, with the second inclined protrusion part of the clutch gear engaging with the rotating block. This nested arrangement allows multiple friction interfaces to be compactly integrated without significantly increasing the overall structural complexity or component count.
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 apparatus achieves high clutch force while being compact, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances design freedom by using diverse materials, with adjustable frictional forces through multiple frictional contacts.
Implementation Method 1
a C-shaped plate spring which surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the upward inclined protrusion part and is in elastically close contact with the outer side surface of the upward inclined protrusion part
Implementation Method 2
an elastic body which is fixedly coupled to the central shaft and applies a downward elastic force to an upper surface of the clutch gear
Implementation Method 3
When a rotational force is applied to the clutch gear 20, the clutch plate 30 rotates with the clutch gear 20 due to a frictional force between the clutch gear 20 and the clutch plate 30
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a complex clutch apparatus which includes a rotating block provided with a central shaft extending upward and an upward inclined protrusion part which surrounds a lower portion of the central shaft and is spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the central shaft, a C-shaped plate spring which surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the upward inclined protrusion part and is in elastically close contact with the outer side surface of the upward inclined protrusion part, a clutch gear provided with a downward inclined protrusion part press-fitted between the central shaft and the upward inclined protrusion part, and a holding protrusion inserted between opposite ends of the C-shaped plate spring in a longitudinal direction thereof; and an elastic body which is fixedly coupled to the central shaft and applies a downward elastic force to an upper surface of the clutch gear.