Roller Positive Clutch Structure for High-Torque Low-Windup Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Friction clutches suffer from low rigidity due to windup, and ratchet-type clutches are bulky and prone to pawl chipping, making them inefficient for high-torque applications.
Innovation Solution
A positive clutch design featuring coaxial inner and outer races with radially biased rollers supported by inclined surfaces, allowing for high rigidity and reduced size, with a simple structure that minimizes friction loss and noise, and enables easy mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ratchet-type clutches use pairs of pawls disposed opposite each other for two-way clutch configuration, then the clutch can achieve bidirectional torque transmission, but the overall length and bulkiness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of pawls along the axial direction to a radial arrangement where rollers are positioned around the circumference. This dimensional change allows bidirectional torque transmission without increasing axial length, as the rollers engage with inclined surfaces distributed radially around the clutch assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch is divided into multiple independent roller elements distributed around the circumference, each capable of engaging with corresponding inclined surfaces. This segmentation allows bidirectional operation through radial distribution rather than axial stacking, reducing overall length while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If ratchet-type clutches use small torque-receiving surfaces for pawls, then the structure remains compact, but chipping and wear occur due to high surface pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact geometry from point or line contact in ratchet mechanisms to distributed surface contact through inclined surfaces. This parameter change increases the effective torque-receiving area, reducing surface pressure and improving resistance to chipping and wear while maintaining structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surfaces can be formed from hardened materials or surface-treated to provide enhanced wear and impact resistance, creating a composite structure that combines the compact geometry of the clutch body with high-performance contact surfaces resistant to chipping.
3Device complexity
If friction clutches are used for torque transmission, then the structure can be simple, but rigidity decreases due to windup during torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rollers as intermediary elements between the input and output members. These rollers engage with inclined surfaces to transmit torque through mechanical engagement rather than friction, eliminating windup while maintaining structural simplicity. The rollers act as mediators that convert rotational motion into controlled engagement without the torsional deflection characteristic of friction clutches.
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 achieves high rigidity, reduces size, enhances durability, and extends service life by minimizing windup and surface pressure, while allowing for efficient high-torque transmission and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means for radially biasing each of the plurality of rollers
Implementation Method 2
The clutch is configured to stop relative rotation of the outer race and the inner race by holding the rollers between the inclined surface portions of the roller support parts and the inclined surface portions of the pocket parts in the circumferential direction
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a positive clutch that has a high rigidity and simple structure, reduces friction loss, prevents noise generation, allows a size reduction, and helps extend a service life. The object is achieved by the following configuration: Roller support parts are formed on one of an outer circumferential surface of the inner race and an inner circumferential surface of the outer race, and pocket parts are formed on the other one of the inner race and outer race. The clutch is configured to stop relative rotation of the inner race and outer race by holding the rollers, which are disposed between the inner race and the outer race, between the roller support parts and pocket parts in the circumferential direction.