Rotary Clutch Assembly With Nested Spring for Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary power transmission devices lack an efficient mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging the clutch, which is crucial for torque distribution and control in vehicle drivelines.
Innovation Solution
An actuator and clutch assembly that includes a first and second clutch member, an electric motor-driven input member, an output member, an actuator sleeve, and a spring. The spring biases the output member and actuator sleeve to engage the second clutch member with the first clutch member, allowing for selective engagement and disengagement of the clutch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to bias the output member for clutch engagement, then the clutch engagement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is positioned within the annular space formed by the radially spaced input member and output member, nesting the biasing mechanism within the existing clutch structure. This allows the spring to provide reliable engagement force without adding external complexity to the overall device architecture.
2Force
If the input member and output member are radially spaced to allow spring placement, then the spring can provide biasing force, but the radial space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing axial height or using lateral space, the spring is positioned in the radial dimension between the input and output members. This dimensional approach allows the spring to provide necessary biasing force while maintaining a compact axial profile and utilizing the annular space already present in the clutch assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If the actuator sleeve is coupled to the second clutch member with fingers and slots, then the clutch engagement precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator sleeve with radially oriented fingers and slots acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor-driven input member and the second clutch member. This intermediate structure translates rotational motion into precise axial engagement while distributing mechanical stresses, thereby improving engagement precision despite the increased manufacturing complexity of the finger-slot assembly.
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 enables precise control over the clutch engagement, allowing for efficient torque distribution and management in rotary power transmission devices, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of vehicle drivelines.
Implementation Method 1
A spring provides a force on the output member that biases the output member in a direction in which the second clutch member is moved toward the first clutch member
Implementation Method 2
The output member includes a cam surface that is inclined relative to the axis and is engaged by the input member so that the output member is driven axially during rotation of the input member
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator and clutch assembly for a power transmission device includes a first and second clutch members arranged to selectively define a connected state of the clutch when the second clutch member is drivingly engaged with the first clutch member and a disconnected state of the clutch when the second clutch member is not drivingly engaged with the first clutch member. An electric motor drives an input member driven for rotation about an axis, and an output member is driven axially relative to the input member when the input member rotates, wherein the second clutch member moves axially with the output member. A spring provides a force on the output member that biases the output member in a direction in which the second clutch member is moved toward the first clutch member. The spring is radially and axially overlapped by the input member and the output member.