Reverse Input Blocking Clutch Surface Finish for Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse input blocking clutches require high torque to transmit rotation due to sliding resistance between rollers and fixed components, which increases power consumption while compromising locking performance if spring forces are reduced.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates finished surfaces with no directionality on the cylindrical and lid portions of the fixed member, or forms protrusions/recesses on the lid and rollers to reduce sliding resistance without decreasing spring biasing forces, allowing for lower torque transmission while maintaining high locking performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the spring forces are reduced to lower the torque necessary to transmit rotation, then power consumption is reduced, but the locking performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface finish parameter of the fixed member (cylindrical surface and lid portion) to a finished surface with no directionality. This parameter change reduces the sliding resistance between the rollers and the fixed member, allowing the spring forces to be maintained at higher levels for reliable locking while still achieving lower torque transmission during rotation.
2Reliability
If the sliding resistance between rollers and fixed components is high, then locking performance is maintained, but the torque necessary to transmit rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different parts of the fixed member. The cylindrical surface and lid portion that contact the rollers during rotation are given a finished surface with no directionality to reduce sliding resistance. Other parts of the fixed member maintain their conventional surfaces to ensure reliable locking engagement. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both torque transmission and locking performance.
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 approach reduces the torque necessary to transmit rotation from the input to the output side, lowering power consumption while maintaining robust locking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
elastic members are mounted in the respective wedge-shaped spaces and bias the respective rollers into narrow portions of the wedge-shaped spaces
Implementation Method 2
the rollers slide on the inner peripheral cylindrical surface of the fixed outer ring and the opposed surface of the lid portion opposed to the rollers. Thus, the sliding resistance between the rollers and the fixed outer ring and between the rollers and the lid portion adds to the torque necessary to transmit rotation
Data Source
AI summary
In a locking type reverse input blocking clutch, smooth finished surfaces having no directionality are formed, by barrel polishing, on surfaces brought into contact with rollers while rotation is being transmitted from the input side to the output side, i.e. an inner peripheral cylindrical surface of an outer ring and a surface of a lid portion opposed to the rollers. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance between the rollers and the outer ring and between the rollers and the lid portion, without the need to reduce the forces of springs for pushing the rollers into narrow portions of wedge-shaped spaces. This in turn makes it possible to reduce the torque necessary to transmit rotation from the input side to the output side, while maintaining high locking performance.