Torque Clutch Retaining Mechanism for Shifting Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch systems for torque transmission in vehicles and windmills are not cost-effective, durable, or easy to operate, especially when shifting gears under load, and lack the ability to couple and decouple efficiently during upshifting and downshifting while pedaling.
Innovation Solution
A clutch system with a first and second rotatable unit having abutment surfaces that can disengage under load, and a third rotatable unit with retaining members that selectively lock or release these surfaces for coupling and decoupling, allowing operation under load during gear shifts, using an actuator for controlled engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a clutch system is designed to be cost-effective and compact, then manufacturing cost and size are reduced, but the ability to operate reliably under load during gear shifts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch system is divided into three separate rotatable units (first, second, and third units) that can independently rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows each unit to perform specific functions: the first unit engages/disengages the clutch, the second unit transmits torque, and the third unit provides retaining members for locking engagement. This modular approach enables cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining reliability under load through specialized functional design of each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The three rotatable units are arranged in a nested configuration where they can rotate within each other, with the first rotatable unit containing the second, and the second containing the third. This nested design achieves compact size reduction while maintaining the ability to operate under load, as each unit can perform its function independently within the confined space of the nested structure.
2Ease of operation
If the clutch system allows easy operation for coupling and decoupling, then ease of operation is improved, but durability under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch system employs dynamic retaining members on the third rotatable unit that can selectively engage or disengage from engagement positions. These retaining members can dynamically respond to load conditions, automatically engaging to lock the abutment surfaces when load is applied and disengaging when load is removed. This dynamic behavior enables easy operation during gear shifts while maintaining durability under load through automatic locking engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the abutment surfaces are designed to disengage under load, then the ability to shift gears under load is improved, but rotational coupling stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members on the third rotatable unit are positioned to provide preliminary locking engagement of the abutment surfaces before full torque transmission begins. This preliminary anti-action prevents unintended disengagement during gear shifts under load, maintaining rotational coupling stability while still allowing controlled disengagement when gear shifting is intentionally actuated. The retaining members essentially pre-lock the connection to counteract any forces that might cause premature disengagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch system for a torque transmission. The clutch system includes a first rotatable unit connectable to an input, including at least one first abutment surface and a second rotatable unit connectable to an output, including at least one second abutment surface arranged for selectively engaging the first abutment surface. The first and second abutment surfaces being adapted to each other so as to allow disengaging under load. The system includes a third rotatable unit arranged for selectively being in a first position or a second position relative to the second rotatable unit, wherein at least one retaining member of the third rotatable unit selectively locks the at least one second abutment surface in engagement with the at least one first abutment surface for selectively rotationally coupling the second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit.