Slip Clutch Series Torque Capacity Overdrive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Known slip clutch mechanisms face difficulties in providing effective opening and closing functionality while enabling overdrive functionality.

Innovation Solution

A slip clutch design incorporating multiple hubs and one-way clutches, where the input hub is connected to the first and second hubs with slip clutch assemblies, and one-way clutches connect the hubs to the output hub for relative rotation in specific circumferential directions, allowing torque capacity dependent on rotational torque direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a slip clutch mechanism is designed to provide opening and closing functionality, then it can control rotational torque direction, but it becomes difficult to enable overdrive functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverdrive functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slip clutch mechanism is divided into multiple independent hub assemblies (first hub assembly, second hub assembly, third hub assembly) that can operate semi-independently. Each hub assembly contains its own slip clutch mechanism with balls and springs, allowing the system to provide both opening/closing control and overdrive functionality through coordinated operation of segmented components rather than a single complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple hub assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions: they can collectively provide opening and closing control while simultaneously enabling overdrive functionality. The first and second hub assemblies work together for opening/closing, while the third hub assembly enables overdrive, making the overall system universal in its capability to handle different operational modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hubs and one-way clutches are added to enable overdrive functionality, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional torque capacityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism is segmented into three distinct hub assemblies, each with its own slip clutch mechanism (balls, springs, and engagement surfaces). This segmentation allows each assembly to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall system manageability, rather than creating one monolithic complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple hub assemblies are arranged concentrically around a common axis of rotation, with hubs nested one within another. The first hub, second hub, and third hub are all disposed on the same rotational axis, creating a compact nested structure that reduces spatial complexity while enabling multiple functions through the nested arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If slip clutch assemblies connect input hub to multiple hubs with different forces, then directional torque control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque direction controlVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each hub assembly has locally optimized characteristics with different spring forces (first spring force, second spring force, third spring force) tailored to specific functional requirements. The first and second slip clutch mechanisms are configured for opening/closing control, while the third is optimized for overdrive protection, allowing differential torque characteristics at different locations without requiring complete redesign of the entire system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing complexity is managed by segmenting the system into modular hub assemblies that can potentially be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly. Each assembly contains a complete slip clutch mechanism with its own balls, springs, and engagement surfaces, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes to be applied to each module

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables directional torque capacity and overdrive functionality, providing a modular framework for various torque capacities and preventing damage from blocked rotations, with enhanced safety and efficiency in applications like tailgate assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

a first plurality of springs urging the first plurality of balls radially outwardly into contact with the first hub; a second plurality of springs urging the second plurality of balls radially outwardly into contact with the second hub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10508698B2Slip mechanism with series torque capacity and over drive function

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A slip clutch, including: an output hub; a first hub; a second hub non-rotatably connected to the output hub; an input hub arranged to receive rotational torque. The input hub includes: a first plurality of balls; a first plurality of springs urging the first plurality of balls radially outwardly into contact with the first hub; a second plurality of balls; and a second plurality of springs urging the second plurality of balls radially outwardly into contact with the second hub.