Wrap Spring Clutch Phase Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clutches require significant power to operate, involve high-current electrical components, and are sensitive to component gaps, making them costly and difficult to install effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wrap spring clutch system with adjustable phase angle or diameter, controlled by a programmable actuator and electromagnet, allowing for precise control of slip between clutch members to manage power transfer efficiently and reduce installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clutch mechanisms are used to control power transfer, then reliable engagement and disengagement is achieved, but significant power is consumed and high-current electrical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic clutch mechanisms with a wrap spring clutch system that uses mechanical elastic energy storage and phase angle control. The wrap spring clutch stores energy elastically and releases it mechanically to control engagement, eliminating the need for high-current electrical components while maintaining reliable engagement and disengagement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from electrical current to mechanical phase angle. By adjusting the phase angle between the drive element and driven element, the wrap spring clutch controls power transfer smoothly without requiring significant electrical power, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining operational reliability.
2Power
If traditional clutch designs are used, then power transfer control is achieved, but device complexity increases with multiple components including relays and high-current cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transfer control function and the engagement control function into a single wrap spring clutch mechanism. The phase angle control system integrates the actuator, wrap spring, and clutch members into one compact assembly, eliminating the need for separate relays, high-current cable, and other auxiliary components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full power transfer control capability.
3Power
If clutches with sensitive gap requirements are used, then precise power transfer control is achieved, but installation difficulty increases requiring careful shimming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic wrap spring clutch system where the phase angle can be adjusted during operation to optimize power transfer precision. The elastic nature of the wrap spring allows for self-adjustment and compensation of gap variations, eliminating the need for precise pre-installation shimming while maintaining precise power transfer control during operation.
4Ease of operation
If wrap spring clutch with adjustable phase angle is used, then power requirements are reduced and installation is simplified, but control precision and slip management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap spring clutch system is designed to automatically manage slip and power transfer based on the phase angle setting. The elastic energy storage and release mechanism inherently provides slip control without requiring complex external control systems, allowing the clutch to self-regulate power transfer while maintaining reduced power requirements and simplified installation.
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 wrap spring clutch system reduces power requirements, minimizes the need for high-current components, and simplifies installation by allowing for precise control of engagement and disengagement, thereby lowering costs and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a wrap spring clutch configured for transferring rotary power between the first and second clutch members, wherein the wrap spring clutch has a first end, a second end and a plurality of coils therebetween
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet, wherein energization of the electromagnet generates a magnetic flux that urges the armature into engagement with an armature engagement surface
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a method is provided for controlling a clutch assembly having first and second rotatable clutch members. The method includes providing a wrap spring clutch having first and second ends. The phase angle between the first and second ends determines a diameter of the wrap spring clutch. One of the clutch members is connected with the first end. The method further includes obtaining a target value indicative of a target speed for the second clutch member, and determining through measurement an actual value that is indicative of an actual speed of the second clutch member. The method further includes changing the phase angle between the first and second ends of the wrap spring clutch to generate a selected amount of slip between the wrap spring clutch and the other of the first and second clutch members, based on the target value and the actual value.