Reverse Input Blocking Clutch With Easy 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 actuator incorporates a reverse input blocking clutch with a locking mechanism featuring a screw shaft, nut, and engaging members, where the engaging member moves to transmit torque when rotational torque is inputted and moves to block or partially transmit torque when reversely inputted, utilizing a pressing surface with a smaller radius of curvature to facilitate easy release.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the wedge-shaped space movable rather than fixed. The pressing member can shift the wedge-shaped space between a blocking position (where rolling bodies are tightly pressed) and a release position (where rolling bodies are loosened), allowing easy transition between locked and unlocked states while maintaining reliable blocking when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the wedge-shaped space through the pressing member. Instead of a static structure, the wedge-shaped space can dynamically change its position and pressing force, enabling the system to switch between high-blocking-force mode and easy-release mode as needed.
2Reliability
If rolling bodies are pressed tightly in the wedge-shaped space to prevent rotation, then the blocking reliability is improved, but the force required to release increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying force directly to overcome the tight pressing of rolling bodies, the patent inverts the approach by moving the wedge-shaped space itself. The pressing member shifts the entire wedge structure, causing rolling bodies to naturally loosen and exit the wedge space without requiring large release forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member acts as an intermediary that controls the position of the wedge-shaped space. By manipulating this intermediate element, the system can transition between blocked and released states without directly overcoming the high friction forces between rolling bodies and the wedge surfaces.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the reverse input blocking clutch, then the blocking capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member serves multiple functions: it controls the wedge-shaped space position, adjusts the blocking force, and enables the transition between locked and unlocked states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving blocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the existing wedge-shaped space structure. The pressing member is integrated into the wedge mechanism rather than being a separate locking device, combining the blocking function with the structural elements already present in the reverse input blocking clutch.
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 allows for easy release of the locked state and efficient torque transmission, reducing power consumption by preventing unnecessary rotation of the output member, thus enhancing the actuator's operational reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational linear motion conversion mechanism, wherein the rotational linear motion conversion mechanism includes a screw shaft (7) having a male-side engaging portion (10) on an outer circumferential surface
Implementation Method 2
by being pressed against the pressed surface (28), does not transmit the rotational torque that is reversely inputted to the output engaging portion (26) to the input engaging portion (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a reverse input blocking clutch capable of easily releasing a state in which rotation of an output member is prevented or suppressed. The reverse input blocking clutch 5 includes an input member 14, an output member 15, a pressed member 16, and an engaging member 17. When a rotational torque is inputted to the input member 14, the engaging member 17 moves in a direction away from a pressed surface 28 of the pressed member 16 due to engagement with the input member 14, and transmits the rotational torque inputted to the input member 14 to the output member 15 due to engagement with the output member 15; and when rotational torque is reversely inputted to the output member 15, moves in the direction closer to the pressed surface 28 based on engagement with the output member 15, and by being pressed against the pressed surface 28 does not transmit the rotational torque reversely inputted to the output member 15 to the input member 14, or transmits only part thereof to the input member 14 due to engagement with the input member 14.