Variable Lever Ratio Clutch Actuator Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch devices require high torque from actuators to operate pressure members, leading to increased power consumption and potential downsizing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A clutch device with a drive unit that includes an actuator, rotation shafts, and a coupling member, where the lever ratio is adjusted to increase torque efficiency, allowing the pressure member to move from a contact start position to an engagement position with reduced actuator torque, and incorporating a friction member to maintain the engagement position with reduced rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional actuator system is used to operate the pressure member, then the clutch can be engaged and disengaged, but the torque required from the actuator is high, leading to increased power consumption and difficulty in downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lever ratio variable rather than fixed. The lever ratio changes dynamically during the pressure member's movement from disengaged to engaged position, being larger when clutch reaction force is smaller and smaller when clutch reaction force is larger. This dynamic adjustment optimizes torque requirements throughout the operation cycle, reducing peak actuator torque and overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the lever ratio as a controllable parameter. The lever ratio is adjusted based on the clutch reaction force conditions, transitioning between different ratio values to match the operational phase. This parameter optimization allows the actuator to operate more efficiently across different stages of clutch engagement, directly addressing the torque and power consumption issues.
2Volume of moving object
If a conventional actuator system is used to operate the pressure member, then the clutch can be engaged and disengaged, but the actuator size must be large to provide sufficient torque, preventing downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lever ratio variable rather than fixed. The lever ratio changes dynamically during the pressure member's movement from disengaged to engaged position, being larger when clutch reaction force is smaller and smaller when clutch reaction force is larger. This dynamic adjustment optimizes torque requirements throughout the operation cycle, reducing peak actuator torque and overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the lever ratio as a controllable parameter. The lever ratio is adjusted based on the clutch reaction force conditions, transitioning between different ratio values to match the operational phase. This parameter optimization allows the actuator to operate more efficiently across different stages of clutch engagement, directly addressing the torque and power consumption issues.
3Reliability
If the pressure member moves from contact start position to engagement position against increasing clutch reaction force, then the clutch engages properly, but the actuator requires excessive torque throughout the entire movement range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lever ratio variable rather than fixed. The lever ratio changes dynamically during the pressure member's movement from disengaged to engaged position, being larger when clutch reaction force is smaller and smaller when clutch reaction force is larger. This dynamic adjustment optimizes torque requirements throughout the operation cycle, reducing peak actuator torque and overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the lever ratio as a controllable parameter. The lever ratio is adjusted based on the clutch reaction force conditions, transitioning between different ratio values to match the operational phase. This parameter optimization allows the actuator to operate more efficiently across different stages of clutch engagement, directly addressing the torque and power consumption issues.
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
The solution reduces the torque required for the actuator, leading to lower power consumption and the potential for downsizing the actuator, while maintaining efficient clutch engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a first member (1Ar, 11Ar) that rotates together with the first rotation shaft around the first rotation shaft
Implementation Method 2
a second rotation shaft (2S) that rotates together with the movement of the pressure member, a second member (2Ar) that rotates together with the second rotation shaft around the second rotation shaft
Implementation Method 3
a coupling member (R) that connects, and interlocks, the first member and the second member
Implementation Method 4
a friction member (34) and a pressure member (33) for pressing the friction member
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
When a pressure member of a clutch is placed in an engagement position, a first arm is placed in a first arm position. When the pressure member is placed in a contact start position, the first arm is placed in a second arm position. A reaction force which acts on a actuator from the pressure member is larger in the contact start position than the engagement position. The arm positions are set so that a lever ratio when the first arm is in the second arm position is larger than the lever ratio when the first arm is in the first arm position. Thereby, torque of an actuator necessary for operating the pressure member of the clutch may be made smaller.