Reverse Input Blocking Clutch With Pivoting Engaging Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse input blocking clutches face challenges in smoothly switching from a locked or semi-locked state to an unlocked state due to the inclined direction of the translational load acting on the engaging elements, which affects the efficient transmission and blocking of rotational torque.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pressed member, an input member, an output member, and engaging elements with a pivot support shaft and link member, allowing the engaging elements to move radially and pivotally, enabling smooth transition between states by adjusting the pressing surfaces' engagement with the pressed surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the engaging elements are designed with a simple radial movement structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the switching smoothness from locked to unlocked state deteriorates due to the inclined direction of the translational load
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging elements are designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing them to both pivot and move radially. The pivot support shaft enables the engaging elements to change their orientation dynamically during the switching process, while the radial movement allows them to engage and disengage from the pressed surface smoothly. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by enabling smooth switching without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging elements transition from simple radial movement to a two-degree-of-freedom movement system that includes both radial displacement and pivoting rotation. This addition of another dimension of movement (the pivoting motion around the pivot support shaft) allows the engaging elements to better accommodate the inclined load direction during switching, improving switching smoothness without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If the engaging elements are pressed tightly against the pressed surface to ensure complete torque blocking, then the blocking reliability is improved, but the difficulty of switching from locked to unlocked state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging elements can dynamically adjust their contact pressure with the pressed surface. During normal operation, they are pressed tightly for reliable torque blocking. When switching is required, the pivot support shaft allows them to pivot away from the pressed surface, reducing contact pressure and enabling smooth disengagement. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable blocking and enabling easy switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: the engaging elements, the pivot support shaft, and the pressed surface. This segmentation allows the engaging elements to independently pivot and disengage from the pressed surface when needed, facilitating easier switching while maintaining reliable torque blocking during operation through controlled pressing.
3Ease of operation
If the pivot support shaft is positioned closer to the pressed surface, then the switching smoothness is improved, but the structural stability of the engaging element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging element is designed with non-uniform structural properties along its length. The section near the pressed surface is optimized for smooth pivoting motion, while the section extending toward the output member is designed with greater stiffness and strength to ensure structural stability. This local differentiation of structural quality allows the pivot support shaft to be positioned optimally for switching smoothness without compromising overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot support shaft position is optimized in the radial dimension to be closer to the pressed surface, improving switching smoothness. However, structural stability is maintained through reinforcement in the axial dimension, where the engaging element's geometry and material properties provide the necessary stiffness and strength. This multi-dimensional optimization resolves the contradiction between switching smoothness and structural stability.
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 enables efficient switching from locked or semi-locked to unlocked states, ensuring smooth torque transmission and blocking, thereby improving the clutch's operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
the pair of pressing surfaces are pressed against the pressed surface due to engagement of the output-side engaging portion and the output-side engaged portion, the pair of pressing surfaces frictionally engage with the pressed surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a reverse input blocking clutch capable of smoothly switching from a locked or semi-locked state to an unlocked state when rotational torque is inputted to an input member. The reverse input blocking clutch 1 includes a pressed member having a pressed surface 20, an input member having an input-side engaging portion 8, an output member having an output-side engaging portion 11, and an engaging element 5. The engaging element 5 includes an engaging element main body 30 and a link member 31. The engaging element main body 30 includes a pair of main body plates 40a, 40b and a pivot support shaft 33. The pair of main body plates 40a, 40b has a pair of pressing surfaces 32a, 32b and an output-side engaged portion 34. One pressing surface 32a is provided on one main body plate 40a. The other pressing surface 32b is provided on the other main body plate 40b. The link member 31 has a first end portion that is pivotally connected to the pivot support shaft 33 and a second end portion that is pivotally connected to the input-side engaging portion 8.