Spring-Loaded Cam Clutch Selector for Low-Force Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam clutches require a large drive force and precise control to switch between locked and free modes, leading to potential damage to cam surfaces and raceways during torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A cam clutch design featuring a coaxial inner and outer race with circumferentially arranged cams, a cage member, and a selector with a driven part and selector body that allows resilient circumferential displacement, reducing the need for precise angle control and minimizing torque transmission forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cam orientation is changed by forcing the cams to tilt using pin members during torque transmission, then the cam clutch can switch between locked and free modes, but a large drive force is required that could overload the drive source
Solution Approach 1:
The cam orientation changing part is positioned to engage with the cams before full torque transmission begins, or the switching action is initiated when torque is reduced. This preliminary positioning allows the cam orientation to be changed with minimal resistance, avoiding the need for large drive forces that would overload the drive source.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin members act as intermediaries between the cam orientation changing part and the cams. They are positioned at optimized locations on the cams to apply forcing forces that efficiently change cam orientation while minimizing the overall drive force required from the drive source.
2Power
If the mechanism for changing cam orientation is made larger to generate sufficient drive force, then switching capability is improved, but the raceways of the inner and outer races could suffer damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the overall size of the cam orientation changing mechanism, the invention optimizes the local positioning of the pin members on the cams. By strategically placing the pin members at specific locations where they can most effectively leverage cam geometry, sufficient switching power is generated without enlarging the mechanism or increasing raceway contact pressures that could cause damage.
3Force
If the pin members are located away from the pivot point to generate larger drive force, then switching capability is improved, but the pins need to be positioned precisely and the rotation angle needs precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The pin members are positioned asymmetrically on the cams at optimized locations that are not at the pivot point but are strategically chosen to balance force generation with tolerance to positioning variations. This asymmetric positioning allows the mechanism to generate sufficient drive force while being less sensitive to precise pin location and rotation angle control, reducing manufacturing and control precision requirements.
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 switching between locked and free modes with a smaller drive force, reducing damage to cam surfaces and raceways, and allowing for reliable operation without precise control of the rotation angle.
Implementation Method 1
a selector body circumferentially displaceable relative to the driven part in a resilient manner
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a simple-structured cam clutch that does not require precise control and is operable with a smaller drive force and less prone to damage on cam surfaces or inner and outer raceways. The cam clutch includes a plurality of cams circumferentially arranged between an inner race and an outer race and supported by a cage member, and a selector capable of changing an orientation of the cams. The selector includes a driven part allowing a rotation angle thereof to be controlled relative to the inner race or outer race to which the cage member is fixedly attached, and a selector body circumferentially displaceable relative to the driven part in a resilient manner by a spring-loaded mechanism. The selector body includes a cam orientation control protrusion capable of changing the orientation of the cams by making contact with the cams.