Rotary Clutch Assembly With Spherical Interface for Lower Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce the size and weight of clutch components in rotary power transmission devices while maintaining strength and durability, particularly in vehicle drivelines where space and weight are critical.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second clutch member with axially inclined teeth and a pinion gear with a sphere-shaped interface surface, allowing for a compact configuration that maximizes the radial thickness of the clutch members for strength without increasing size or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the radial thickness of clutch members is increased to improve strength and durability, then the size and weight of the clutch components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch members utilize a spherical geometry where the radial thickness varies with the angular position. The spherical shape allows the thickness to be maximized at critical load-bearing regions while being reduced in other areas, effectively using dimensional variation to decouple strength requirements from overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial thickness of the clutch members is not uniform but is strategically varied: thicker sections are positioned where torque transmission and load-bearing demands are highest, while thinner sections are used where structural demands are lower. This localized optimization maintains strength where needed while minimizing overall weight.
2Strength
If the radial thickness of clutch members is increased to improve strength and durability, then the size of the clutch components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical geometry transforms the problem from a uniform cylindrical thickness to a variable radial thickness that depends on angular position. This dimensional change allows the volume to be optimized by concentrating material only where structurally necessary, rather than uniformly distributing it throughout the component.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch members exhibit non-uniform radial thickness with thicker regions at critical stress points and thinner regions elsewhere. This local quality variation ensures that strength is maximized at load-bearing interfaces while the overall volume and size are minimized.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary power transmission device, includes a housing, a pinion gear shaft received within the housing and having an axis, a pinion gear rotatable relative to the pinion gear shaft, and first and second clutch members. The first clutch member has a rotational axis, radial inner and outer surfaces, front and rear faces, and multiple teeth at the front face. The second clutch member is coaxially arranged with the first clutch member, and has radial inner and outer surfaces, front and rear faces, and multiple teeth. The pinion gear has an interface surface extending radially from the opening and the radial inner surface of the first clutch member is located axially outwardly of the interface surface and the radial inner surface of the first clutch member fully overlaps the interface surface.