Wrap Spring Clutch Latching Actuator Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch actuation systems require continuous power supply, leading to significant power draw and increased energy demands, especially in applications involving multiple clutches.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a latching actuator assembly with a wrap spring clutch, utilizing instantaneous voltage and counter voltage applications to move an armature plunger between engaged and disengaged positions, with a latching spring and magnet maintaining the positions without ongoing power to the solenoid coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to the solenoid coil to maintain clutch engagement, then the clutch remains reliably engaged, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using momentary voltage pulses to the solenoid coil instead of continuous power supply. The voltage is applied only momentarily to transition the armature plunger between engaged and disengaged positions, after which a latching mechanism maintains the position without ongoing power. This periodic activation dramatically reduces power consumption while preserving clutch engagement reliability through the latching spring and magnet system.
2Productivity
If multiple clutches are operated simultaneously with continuous power, then all clutches remain engaged, but the power draw becomes excessive for the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple clutch operation with reduced power draw by implementing periodic action across all clutches. Each clutch uses momentary voltage applications to the solenoid coil for position transitions, followed by latching mechanism maintenance without continuous power. This allows multiple planters to be operated independently and selectively engaged/disengaged based on field conditions, maximizing productivity while keeping system power draw within acceptable limits.
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
This solution allows for efficient operation of multiple planter row assemblies by reducing power consumption, enabling selective engagement and disengagement of clutches with minimal energy usage, thereby optimizing power management in agricultural planting systems.
Implementation Method 1
instantaneous (e.g., momentary) application of voltage and counter voltage to a solenoid coil move an armature plunger
Implementation Method 2
A latching spring and a latching magnet operate to latch the armature plunger in the engaged and disengaged positions without any application of power to the solenoid coil
Implementation Method 3
A latching spring and a latching magnet operate to latch the armature plunger in the engaged and disengaged positions
Data Source
AI summary
A wrap spring clutch system includes one or more wrap spring clutch assemblies each having a latching actuator assembly. The latching actuator assembly includes an armature plunger movably coupled with a solenoid coil, and in a powered solenoid coil state the solenoid coil moves the armature plunger between deployed and retracted configurations. A latching magnet latches the armature plunger in one of the deployed or retracted configuration in an unpowered solenoid coil state. A latching spring latches the armature plunger in the other of the deployed or retracted configuration in an unpowered solenoid coil state. The wrap spring clutches include a rotatable input hub and a rotatable output hub configured for rotation by the input hub. A helical spring is engaged with the output hub and selectively engaged in slipping and locking engagement with the input hub according to the deployed or retracted configuration of the armature plunger.