Differentially Controllable Two-Way Clutch Cage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-way clutches in power transmission mechanisms for automobiles face issues with reliably locking rotation in both forward and backward directions and generating drag torque during idle running.
Innovation Solution
A differentially controllable two-way clutch design featuring an outer wheel with cam portions, an inner wheel, a torque transmission member, and a slidable cage supported by a spring, allowing differential control and preventing drag torque by engaging the torque transmission member with the cam surface only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the torque transmission member is held in the neutral position of the cam surface by bias means in the cage, then the torque transmission member can be held at the neutral position, but the torque transmission member cannot be reliably held at the neutral position
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission member utilizes the cam surface geometry itself to maintain the neutral position through its own weight and geometric constraints, rather than relying on external bias means. The cam surface is designed with a specific profile that naturally positions the torque transmission member in the neutral zone without requiring additional holding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface is divided into distinct functional zones: a neutral position zone that maintains the torque transmission member in a disengaged state, and engaged position zones that transmit torque in specific directions. This segmentation allows the torque transmission member to be reliably positioned in the neutral zone without generating drag torque on the cylindrical surface.
2Reliability
If the torque transmission member is held in one of the engaged positions of the cam surface, then the torque transmission member can be held in engaged position, but the cylindrical surface and the torque transmission member are in sliding contact with each other, generating drag torque
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cam surface are designed with different functional qualities: the neutral position zone provides a positioning function without sliding contact, while the engaged position zones provide torque transmission through controlled sliding contact. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve reliable engagement positioning without continuous drag torque generation during idle running.
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 reliable locking of rotation in both directions without generating drag torque during idle running, improving fuel efficiency by preventing power loss.
Implementation Method 1
a spring supported by the cage and configured to be capable of biasing the torque transmission member so that the torque transmission member engages with a cam surface
Data Source
AI summary
A differentially controllable two-way clutch including an outer wheel with a cam portion on an inner circumference, an inner wheel arranged apart from the outer wheel and toward an inner diameter of the two-way clutch as well as rotatably and concentrically with respect to the outer wheel, a torque transmission member located between the outer wheel and the inner wheel to transmit torque, a cage configured to hold the torque transmission member and to be slidable in a circumferential direction and which is differentially controlled, and a spring supported by the cage and configured to be capable of biasing the torque transmission member so that the torque transmission member engages with a cam surface.