Segmented Claw Clutch Engagement for Speed-Differential Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional claw clutches face difficulties in smoothly shifting between drive components at different rotational speeds, particularly in electric mobility systems, leading to inefficiencies in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, and require complex actuation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A switchable clutch unit with a primary and secondary side, featuring groups of driving claws and recesses that allow for synchronized and staggered movement, enabling form-fitting rotary engagement and torque transmission even at varying speeds, using preload elements for energy storage and actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional claw clutches are used for coupling drive components, then torque transmission is achieved, but shifting operations become difficult when rotational speeds differ significantly between clutch sides
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch unit is divided into multiple independent claw groups (first and second driving claws) that can engage and disengage separately. This segmentation allows the clutch to handle speed differences more effectively by enabling staged engagement rather than requiring all claws to engage simultaneously at matched speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch design incorporates dynamic engagement capabilities where claws can be actuated independently at different times. The system allows for flexible sequencing of claw engagement based on relative rotational speeds, making the clutch adaptable to varying operating conditions rather than requiring fixed synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple claw groups are used to enable shifting at different speeds, then shifting flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple claw groups are combined within a single clutch unit structure, sharing common components such as the clutch body, actuation mechanism, and mounting features. This merging approach increases versatility while controlling complexity by reusing structural elements across different claw groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch unit is designed with universal features that serve multiple functions: the same basic structure accommodates different numbers and arrangements of claw groups, the actuation mechanism can control multiple claws independently or collectively, and the design works for various rotational speed conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable clutch unit for coupling a drive component, wherein the clutch unit comprises: a primary side and a secondary side, which can be positively connected to one another for rotary driving, wherein the secondary side has driving recesses distributed around the circumference, wherein the primary side has driving claws distributed around the circumference, which are formed for engaging in the driving recesses of the secondary side, wherein the driving claws comprise a group of first driving claws and a group of second driving claws, wherein the first driving claws can be moved between an engaged position and an disengaged position with respect to the driving recesses, wherein the second driving claws are displaceable between an engaged position and an disengaged position with respect to the driving recesses, and wherein the first driving claws and the second driving claws are displaceable relative to one another.