Switchable Coupling with Twist-Lock Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchable clutches require continuous energy consumption to maintain the 'clutch = closed' state and lack efficient mechanisms to switch between 'clutch = open' and 'clutch = closed' states without additional actuators or energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A switchable clutch design featuring an electromagnetic actuator that applies forces in one direction, utilizing a twisting system with oblique surfaces and resilient elements to lock and unlock the clutch states, allowing the clutch to maintain states without energy consumption and requiring no additional actuators for locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromagnetic actuator is used to maintain the clutch in the closed state, then the clutch can be reliably kept closed, but continuous energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the twisting system that rotates the bolt at specific intervals during the switching element's movement. The bolt rotates by a first partial angle when the switching element moves from middle to end position, and by a second partial angle when moving from end to middle position, creating periodic rotational actions that enable state locking without continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic actuating element serves itself by automatically returning the switching element to the starting position after the actuator is deactivated. The elastic element stores energy during actuation and releases it to reset the system, eliminating the need for continuous energy supply or additional actuators to maintain clutch states.
2Device complexity
If a single-direction actuator is used, then the actuator structure is simplified, but the clutch cannot maintain both open and closed states without additional actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the otherwise linear actuation system. The bolt rotates in the circumferential direction around the actuator's axial movement, adding a rotational dimension that enables state locking. This dimensional change allows a single actuator to control both clutch states through the combined axial and rotational movements of the bolt.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt acts as an intermediary element between the switching element and the clutch states. It translates the linear movement of the switching element into rotational movement, and this rotation locks or unlocks the clutch states. The twisting system with oblique surfaces serves as the mechanism that converts linear displacement into rotational displacement of the bolt.
3Ease of operation
If the switching element moves continuously between positions, then flexible control is achieved, but additional mechanisms are needed to lock positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing switching element and bolt structure. The oblique surfaces on the bolt and corresponding surfaces on the switching element combine to create automatic locking during the switching motion. The form-fitting securing elements are integrated into the bolt and switching element, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic locking where the bolt rotates to different angular positions depending on the switching element's position. The locking is not static but dynamically achieved through the rotational movement of the bolt during the switching process, allowing flexible control while maintaining stable locked states.
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 the clutch to maintain 'clutch = open' and 'clutch = closed' states without energy consumption, reducing operational costs and simplifying the actuation mechanism by using a single-direction actuator force, ensuring stable switching states.
Implementation Method 1
a preferably electromagnetic actuator (5) and a switching element (6) in operative proximity to the actuator
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastic actuating element (10) arranged between the output element and the switching element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3c
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A switchable coupling (1) with a coupling system (4) between a driving element (2) and an output element (3), wherein the switchable coupling (1) has a preferably electromagnetic actuator (5) and a switching element (6) in the operative vicinity of the actuator (5), and at least one elastic actuating element (10) arranged between the output element (3) and the switching element (6). The switching element (6) is movable in an infinitely variable manner between a starting position (7) via a central position (8) as far as an end position (9), wherein, in the central position (8) of the switching element (6), the switchable coupling (1) has a different state (open or closed) than in the starting position (7). The switchable coupling (1) also has a bolt (11) which is fixedly positioned in the axial direction within the switchable coupling (1) by means of a first bolt stop (12) and a second bolt stop (13). By means of the axial movement of the switching element (6) to and fro upon activation and deactivation of the actuator (5), operative surfaces (24 and 28) of a rotational system (23) connected to the switching element (6) or the bolt (11) come into engagement with moulded elements (26, 27, 30, 31) on the switching element (6) and on the bolt (11) in such a manner that the bolt (11) is rotated in a stepwise manner in relation to the switching element (6). As a result, the bolt alternately moves relative to the switching element into a first relative position (16), in which the bolt blocks a movement of the switching element (6) in the central position (8), and into a second relative position (18), in which said bolt permits a movement of the switching element (6) as far as the starting position.