Overrunning Coupling Locking Member With Bearing-Supported Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed clutches face significant frictional challenges at rotational speeds above 2000 RPM, leading to strut instability and increased manufacturing complexity due to the need for precise pocket wall angles, which affects the laydown speed and overall performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of bearings between the locking member and the pocket wall reduces frictional forces by using thrust or roller bearings to react centrifugal forces, allowing for pivotal motion with reduced frictional resistance, thereby enhancing the locking member's dynamics and stability at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bearings are introduced between the locking member and pocket wall to reduce friction, then pivotal motion smoothness and stability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing is introduced as an intermediary element between the locking member pivot and the pocket wall. This bearing mediates the interaction by providing a low-friction interface that allows smooth pivotal motion while supporting the locking member during engagement and disengagement operations, thereby improving reliability without requiring fundamental redesign of the clutch assembly.
2Productivity
If pocket wall angles are precisely controlled to optimize laydown speed, then clutch performance improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the geometric parameters of the pocket, specifically the wall angles, to optimize the laydown speed of the locking member. By carefully selecting and controlling these angular parameters during manufacturing, the clutch achieves improved performance characteristics while maintaining manufacturability through standardized machining processes.
3Power
If high rotational speeds are achieved above 2000 RPM, then clutch power capacity improves, but frictional forces and strut instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the harmful frictional forces generated at high rotational speeds by introducing a bearing that converts the harmful sliding friction into beneficial rolling friction. The bearing supports the locking member pivot, allowing it to rotate smoothly even under the high centrifugal forces and frictional loads present during high-speed operation above 2000 RPM, thereby maintaining clutch power capacity while reducing instability.
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 solution significantly reduces frictional loads by approximately 98.2%, enabling smoother operation and increased durability by minimizing strut instability and wear, while also simplifying manufacturing processes by accommodating a wider range of pocket wall angles.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of bearings between the locking member and the pocket wall reduces frictional forces by using thrust or roller bearings
Implementation Method 2
reduces frictional forces by using thrust or roller bearings to react centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
A high-speed overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member which pivotally moves with substantially reduced friction are provided. At least one pivot projects from a main body portion of the locking member and enables pivotal motion of the locking member. The at least one pivot is sized, shaped and located with respect to the main body portion so that the at least one pivot makes contact with at least one bearing located between a pocket surface of a pocket and an outer surface of the at least one pivot to reduce friction during pivotal motion.