Reverse-Input Blocking Clutch Coaxiality and Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse-input blocking clutches suffer from performance deterioration due to poor coaxiality between the input shaft, output shaft, and pressed member, leading to uneven contact, component wear, vibration, foreign matter contamination, and time loss in achieving a locked state.
Innovation Solution
A reverse-input blocking clutch design featuring a housing with a pressed surface, input and output shafts, and a pair of engaging elements that move radially to transmit or block rotational force, with integrated bearing mechanisms to improve coaxiality and stabilize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional reverse-input blocking clutch is used, then the structure is simple, but the coaxiality between input shaft, output shaft, and pressed member is poor leading to uneven contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressed member as an intermediary component between the input shaft and output shaft. This pressed member features a pressed surface that contacts the engaging element, and through the bearing mechanism, ensures precise coaxial alignment. The intermediary structure mediates the force transmission while maintaining high coaxiality, solving the problem of uneven contact without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If poor coaxiality exists, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but component wear and vibration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the input shaft and output shaft with a bearing mechanism. This bearing mechanism substitutes the problematic direct mechanical connection that caused wear and vibration due to poor coaxiality. The bearing provides a precision-guided interface that maintains proper alignment while transmitting force, thereby eliminating component wear and vibration issues.
3Reliability
If only one engaging element contacts first due to poor coaxiality, then the structure is simpler, but torque concentrates on one element causing performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an equipotential condition for torque distribution by using the pressed member with a pressed surface that simultaneously engages both engaging elements. The bearing mechanism ensures that both engaging elements are positioned at equal radial distances from the center, creating equipotential conditions for force distribution. This allows torque to be evenly distributed to both engaging elements simultaneously, preventing concentration on a single element.
4Loss of time
If coaxiality is poor, then manufacturing is easier, but time loss occurs until locked state is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the engaging elements using the bearing mechanism before the locking operation begins. The bearing pre-aligns the engaging elements radially, ensuring they are ready to engage simultaneously with the pressed member. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the time delay that would otherwise occur while misaligned elements struggle to achieve proper engagement during the locking process.
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
The design enhances coaxiality, stabilizes performance by equalizing gaps, reduces component wear and vibration, and ensures consistent locking function, while minimizing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding contact portion and the pressed surface are frictionally engaged
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse-input blocking clutch includes a housing, an input shaft, an output shaft, a pair of engaging elements, a first bearing mechanism provided between the input shaft and the housing, and a second bearing mechanism provided between the output shaft and the housing. At least one of the input shaft, the output shaft, and the housing has a raceway surface which contacts at least one rolling element of the first bearing mechanism and the second bearing mechanism.