Segmented Cam Clutch Structure for Center of Gravity Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional one-way cam clutches face limitations in setting the center of gravity, are costly due to complex machining requirements, and have high production costs.
Innovation Solution
The cam is designed with multiple identical cam plates and a connecting pin that adjusts the center of gravity, eliminating the need for spring mount grooves by using the space between cam plates for the annular spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-material cams are used with spring mount grooves, then the cam structure is simple, but the center of gravity setting is limited and production cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The cam is divided into multiple cam plates (first cam plate, second cam plate, etc.) that are arranged in parallel along the pivot axis direction. Each cam plate has the same outer contour but can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the center of gravity to be adjusted by changing the arrangement of individual plates without redesigning the entire cam structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cam plates are coupled together using a connecting pin to form a composite cam structure. The combination of multiple plates with identical outer contours but different positions creates flexibility in center of gravity adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through the connecting pin.
2Reliability
If spring mount grooves are formed in each cam, then the annular spring can be mounted, but the machining workload increases and production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mount groove formation process is completely eliminated. Instead of cutting grooves into each cam, the annular spring is mounted on the outer side of the cam plates in the pivot axis direction. This extraction of the groove formation step significantly reduces machining workload and production cost while maintaining reliable spring mounting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cam plates are used without connecting pins, then the center of gravity can be adjusted, but the cam plates may displace relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting pin is introduced as an intermediary element to couple the multiple cam plates together. The connecting pin passes through holes in each cam plate and fixedly joins them, preventing relative displacement while allowing the entire assembly to be positioned to achieve the desired center of gravity. This mediator maintains both stability and adjustability.
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
This configuration reduces weight and production costs, enhances design flexibility for center of gravity adjustment, and improves responsiveness and torque transmission capacity.
Implementation Method 1
an annular spring fitted in circumferentially extending spring mount grooves of the plurality of cams... configured to be biased radially inwards by the biasing force of an annular spring
Implementation Method 2
The one-way cam clutch makes use of centrifugal force to minimize energy loss
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a cam and a one-way cam clutch that realize a reduction in weight and production cost, provide more design freedom in setting the center of gravity of the cam, and achieve high responsiveness. The above object is achieved by a cam configured to make contact with an inner race and an outer race by a rotational moment applied in an engaged direction by an annular spring, in which a plurality of cam plates having an identical outer contour and arranged in parallel along a direction of the pivot axis are coupled together and united by a connecting pin extending in the direction of the pivot axis, and the annular spring is configured to be mountable between adjacent cam plates and/or on an outer side of the plurality of cam plates in the direction of the pivot axis.