Self-Locking Wedge Clutch Displacement Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wedge clutches with radially sloping surfaces tend to slip and open due to compressive forces, reducing reliability and torque-carrying capacity, requiring an external actuator to maintain the connect mode, which consumes vehicle power and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking displacement assembly with a resilient element, engagement arm, and slider ring that pivots and slides to transition between disconnect and connect modes, ensuring the hub and outer ring remain non-rotatably connected without external force, using axial and rotational movements to maintain the clutch in the connect mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external actuator is used to apply axial force to the hub to maintain the axial position, then the reliability and torque-carrying capacity are improved, but the power consumption increases and overall efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge plate and hub form a self-locking mechanism where the wedge plate's wedge angle creates a mechanical advantage that automatically maintains the hub in the connected position. The friction and geometric configuration of the wedge plate prevent slippage and spontaneous opening, eliminating the need for continuous actuator power to maintain connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge plate acts as a mechanical counterbalance by converting the compressive forces that would normally cause slippage into a locking mechanism. The wedge geometry transforms the axial compressive force into a radial component that presses the wedge plate against the hub, creating a self-balancing system that resists opening forces without requiring external actuation.
2Power
If the wedge plate contacts the radially sloping surface under compressive forces, then torque transmission is achieved, but the hub tends to axially displace and open the clutch
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge plate incorporates a curved or inclined contact surface that works with the hub's radially sloping surface to create a self-locking geometry. This curved interface transforms the linear compressive force into a component that generates radial pressure, preventing axial displacement while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge plate features an asymmetric geometry with a specific wedge angle that is optimized to convert axial compressive forces into radial locking forces. The asymmetric shape ensures that during torque transmission, the force distribution creates a stabilizing effect that prevents hub displacement, while the asymmetric contact geometry enables efficient force transformation.
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 self-locking mechanism prevents unwanted opening of the clutch, maintaining torque-carrying capacity and reducing power consumption by allowing the actuator to be deactivated once in the connect mode, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the wedge clutch.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element urging the hub in a first axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wedge clutch, including: a hub; a ring located radially outward of the hub; a wedge plate radially between the hub and the ring; and a displacement assembly including an element and an engagement arm. To transition from a disconnect mode for the wedge clutch, in which the hub and the ring are relatively rotatable, to a connect mode for the wedge clutch, the engagement arm is arranged to pivot in a first rotational direction to displace the hub in a first axial direction. To transition from the connect mode to the disconnect mode, the engagement arm is arranged to pivot in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction and the element is arranged to displace the hub in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction.