Planetary Clutch Reducer for Stable Low-Speed Torque Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch devices increase in size and complexity, leading to higher costs due to the need for additional members and assembly steps to stabilize torque transmission at reduced speeds, which affects the efficiency and responsiveness of the clutch operation.
Innovation Solution
The clutch device incorporates a 3k-type strange planetary gear speed reducer with a sun gear, first ring gear, and second ring gear configuration that restricts carrier movement, reducing inertia moment and increasing speed reduction ratio, combined with a state changing unit using disk springs for elastic deformation, to stabilize operation and reduce size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional members and assembly steps are added to stabilize torque transmission at reduced speeds, then torque transmission stability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speed reducer and clutch into a single integrated unit where the planetary gear mechanism serves dual purposes: both speed reduction and torque transmission stabilization. The carrier is directly coupled to the clutch input shaft, eliminating the need for separate stabilization components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining torque transmission stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: speed reduction, torque multiplication, and torque transmission stabilization. The same gear components that reduce speed also provide the structural framework for stable torque transmission, eliminating the need for additional dedicated stabilization members.
2Reliability
If additional members and assembly steps are added to stabilize torque transmission at reduced speeds, then torque transmission stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of speed reduction and torque stabilization functions into a single planetary gear mechanism reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant parts and simplifying the production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the clutch mechanism into distinct functional zones within the planetary gear structure, allowing for standardized mass production of modular components. The carrier, planetary gears, and ring gears can be manufactured as separate standardized parts and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Speed
If speed reducer ratio is increased to reduce speed, then output speed is reduced, but inertia moment increases affecting responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a planetary gear mechanism that provides dynamic torque distribution and smooth engagement. The multiple contact points between planetary gears and ring gears allow for progressive load transfer, reducing the shock and time associated with high-ratio speed reduction while maintaining low output speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism is designed with preliminary engagement features where the friction plates begin to contact gradually before full engagement. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for the high inertia load before full torque transmission begins, reducing response time while maintaining the benefits of high speed reduction ratio.
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 configuration achieves both high response and high load capacity while minimizing size and assembly complexity, enhancing the clutch's efficiency and responsiveness by stabilizing torque transmission and reducing the initial response time.
Implementation Method 1
a state changing unit using disk springs for elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
Torque of a prime mover is input into a sun gear. A planetary gear revolves in a circumferential direction of the sun gear while rotating and meshing with the sun gear. A carrier has an annular shape, rotatably supports the planetary gear, and is rotatable relative to the sun gear. A first ring gear is fixed to a housing, and meshes with the planetary gear. A second ring gear meshes with the planetary gear, is different from the first ring gear in number of teeth of a tooth portion, and outputs torque to a rotation portion. At least a part of the sun gear in an axial direction is located radially inward of the carrier. At least a part of the first ring gear and at least a part of the second ring gear in the axial direction are located radially outward of the carrier.