Overrunning Clutch with Spring-Loaded Actuation Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-way clutches in rotary power transmission systems experience inefficiencies due to frictional losses from mechanical sliding between gear teeth during overrun, and they occupy more space than desired in modern transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A one-way overrunning clutch that fully disconnects drive and driven members using helical or jaw teeth, with a spring-loaded actuation plate and cam tracks, allowing complete disengagement during overrunning and minimizing space occupancy, utilizing a slotted disc or Belleville spring for biasing and a PTFE or TFE bearing liner for reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional gear teeth are used in one-way clutch, then mechanical connection is established, but frictional losses occur due to sliding during overrun
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tooth geometry where the engagement between drive and driven members transitions from mechanical contact to disengagement based on rotational direction. During overrun, the teeth are designed to disengage completely, eliminating frictional losses while maintaining connection during normal operation through the spring-loaded actuation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful sliding friction element by designing teeth that completely disengage during overrun conditions. The spring-loaded actuation plate removes the drive and driven members from mechanical contact, eliminating the frictional losses that occur in traditional continuously-contacting gear teeth
2Reliability
If traditional one-way clutch design is used, then basic overrunning function is provided, but more space is occupied than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the spring-loaded actuation plate and cam mechanism within the existing clutch structure. The actuation plate is positioned between the drive and driven members, and the cam tracks are integrated into the clutch housing, allowing the disengagement mechanism to occupy minimal additional space while maintaining reliable overrunning function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the axial dimension by employing a spring-loaded actuation plate that moves along the axis to engage and disengage the teeth. This axial movement provides the necessary disengagement function without increasing the radial footprint, thereby minimizing space occupancy in the transmission
3Loss of energy
If helical or jaw teeth with spring-loaded actuation plate are used, then complete disengagement during overrunning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded actuation plate is designed to automatically engage and disengage the teeth based on the rotational direction and load conditions. The cam tracks provide automatic actuation without requiring external control mechanisms, allowing the system to self-regulate the engagement state and reducing the need for additional control components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the actuation mechanism with the tooth coupling system by integrating the spring-loaded actuation plate directly into the tooth engagement structure. The cam tracks and actuation plate work as a unified system to control the engagement and disengagement, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device complexity
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 enhances energy efficiency and reduces wear by allowing complete disengagement during overrunning, minimizing friction, and maintaining engagement and disengagement smoothness, while accommodating higher torque capacities and reducing backlash.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing liner can be made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or tetrafluoroethylene (TFE)... The material from which the bearing liner is made provides a better wear solution than the otherwise metal-to-metal friction
Implementation Method 2
The one way clutch can use a helical tooth and/or jaw tooth coupling system and either coupling system can contain a spring loaded actuating plate
Implementation Method 3
actuation is made possible by cam tracks in an outermost cam plate connected to a drive or driven member, which contains cam track grooves for the actuation plate's track followers
Data Source
AI summary
A one way overrunning clutch capable of fully disconnecting a drive and driven members during overrunning by utilizing helical teeth or utilizing jaw teeth. Both assembly types provide a drive connection in one rotational direction and allow for overrunning in the opposite rotational direction. Both helical and jaw tooth coupling systems contain a spring loaded actuating plate allowing it to move along either assembly's common axis, enabling components connected to the drive or driven to be completely unconnected when overrunning occurs under certain operating conditions.