Reverse Input Shutoff Clutch With Compact Torque Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse input shutoff clutches face issues with large axial dimensions and increased part counts, particularly in lock-type designs using coil springs and rolling elements, which hinder compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lock-type reverse input shutoff clutch design featuring an input member, an output member, a pressed member, and engaging elements that transmit rotational torque while preventing reverse torque transmission by moving in response to rotational direction changes, utilizing a coaxial arrangement and elastic members to manage torque transfer and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lock-type reverse input shutoff clutch uses coil springs and rolling elements to prevent reverse torque transmission, then reliability of torque shutoff is improved, but axial dimension and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coil spring component from the reverse input shutoff clutch mechanism. Instead of using a coil spring to provide locking force, the invention uses a simplified engaging element that directly engages with the input member and output member through geometric constraints, removing the need for elastic deformation components and significantly reducing axial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressing member as an intermediary component between the engaging element and the output member. This pressing member transfers the locking force from the engaging element to the output member through direct mechanical contact, eliminating the need for rolling elements and coil springs while maintaining reliable torque shutoff functionality.
2Reliability
If lock-type reverse input shutoff clutch uses rolling elements in wedge-shaped spaces to prevent reverse torque, then torque shutoff capability is improved, but device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into a single engaging element. The engaging element simultaneously provides torque transmission in the forward direction and torque shutoff in the reverse direction through its geometric design, eliminating the need for separate rolling elements, wedge-shaped spaces, and coil springs, thereby significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging element is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits torque from the input member to the output member in the forward rotation direction, and simultaneously prevents reverse torque transmission by engaging with the pressing member. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized components for each function, reducing overall part count.
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 solution reduces axial dimension and part count, enhancing compactness and operational stability by effectively transmitting torque and locking or semi-locking the output member based on rotational direction, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the clutch.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a coaxial arrangement and elastic members to manage torque transfer and locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The reverse input shutoff clutch includes: an input member, an output member coaxially arranged with the input member, a pressed member having a pressed surface, and an engaging element. The engaging element, when rotational torque is inputted to the input member, moves in a direction away from the pressed surface due to engagement with the input member and transmits the rotational torque to the output member, and when rotational torque is reversely inputted to the output member, moves in a direction toward the pressed surface due to engagement with the output member, and prevents or suppresses relative rotation between the output member and the pressed member.