Reverse Input Blocking Clutch With Pressed-Member Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse input blocking clutches face difficulties in easily releasing a state where the output member's rotation is prevented, due to high biting force when rotational torque is reversely inputted, leading to challenges in releasing the locked state.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a reverse input blocking clutch with a locking mechanism that includes a pressed member, input and output engaging portions, and engaging members. When rotational torque is inputted, the engaging members move away from the pressed surface to transmit torque, and when reversely inputted, they move closer to the pressed surface to block or partially transmit torque, utilizing a configuration where the output engaging portion is connected to the nut and has a smaller inner diameter than the female-side engaging portion, allowing for easy release of the locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rolling bodies are arranged in a wedge-shaped space to block reverse rotational torque, then the blocking function is improved, but the difficulty of releasing the locked state increases due to high biting force
Solution Approach 1:
A pressing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the rolling bodies and the wedge-shaped space. The pressing member applies radial pressing force to the rolling bodies, enabling reliable blocking of reverse rotational torque while providing a controlled mechanism for releasing the locked state, thus resolving the contradiction between blocking reliability and ease of release
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge angle of the wedge-shaped space is optimized to balance the biting force on the rolling bodies. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the design achieves sufficient blocking force for reliability while preventing excessive biting force that would make release difficult, thereby resolving the technical contradiction
2Use of energy by moving object
If the output member is completely locked to prevent reverse rotation, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to transmit reverse torque when needed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism transitions from static locking to dynamic control through the pressing member that can adjust radial pressing force. This enables the system to switch between locked and unlocked states, reducing power consumption during normal operation while allowing torque transmission when reverse rotation is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member is designed to be actuated by the system itself based on operational conditions. The mechanism automatically engages or disengages the locking function without external intervention, achieving power consumption reduction while maintaining the capability to transmit reverse torque when required by the application
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 easy release of the locked state and efficient blocking or partial transmission of reversely inputted torque, reducing power consumption and preventing unintended rotation of the output member.
Implementation Method 1
by being pressed against the pressed surface, does not transmit the rotational torque that is reversely inputted to the output engaging portion to the input engaging portion
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse input blocking clutch includes an input member, an output member, a pressed member, and an engaging member. When a rotational torque is inputted to the input member, the engaging member moves in a direction away from a pressed surface of the pressed member due to engagement with the input member, and transmits the rotational torque inputted to the input member to the output member due to engagement with the output member; and when rotational torque is reversely inputted to the output member, moves in the direction closer to the pressed surface based on engagement with the output member, and by being pressed against the pressed surface does not transmit the rotational torque reversely inputted to the output member to the input member, or transmits only part thereof to the input member due to engagement with the input member.