Compliant Centrifugal Clutch by Jimmy_3d

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Model Description
3D model of byu_cmr
The models were repaired and checked for printability.

This design was developed by the Compliant Mechanisms Research Group (CMR) from Brigham...Show more Young University (BYU).

This Floating-Opposing-Arm (FOA) Centrifugal Clutch, developed by the BYU CMR lab, utilizes compliant mechanism technology to produce a high performance clutch with only two components. The clutch shoes are fabricated from a single piece of material and the flexible segments connecting the shoes eliminate the need for springs. The two parts of the FOA clutch can be seen below.

What is a centrifugal clutch?

A clutch that uses centrifugal force to engage two concentric shafts.
How does it work?
-The torque is transmitted from the central drive hub through the floating clutch shoes to the outer drum. Since centrifugal clutches rely on centrifugal force to actuate, there is increased engagement and friction between the shafts at greater speeds. Likewise, as the drive hub slows down, the floating clutch shoe retracts and disengages from the outer drum.

Advantages:
-low part count
-easy clutch assembly and replacement
-symmetry that allows for use in either rotational direction
-higher torque than non-aggressive shoes
-smoother start than aggressive shoes
-low probability of self-locking
-adaptable to a variety of materials and loads

Printer brand:
Prusa

Printer:
Prusa Mk2

Rafts:
Doesn't Matter

Supports:
No

Resolution:
0.2

Notes:
Printed with PLA

Inside Piece (central drive hub, blue) - 50 to 100% infill
Outside Piece (floating clutch shoes, green) - 40% infill
Cylinder Wall (outer drum, orange) - 20% infill

If not printing for actual use, 20% infill on all 3 parts is okay.

This FOA clutch (originally milled out of steel components) was designed to work in a chain saw. The clutch replaced the original 4 piece clutch while allowing for a reduction in part count and assembly. The FOA centrifugal clutch has also been used in weed wackers, which are usually equipped with two 1/8" thick s-clutches. A single FOA clutch 1/8" thick replaced the two s-clutches. This device shows potential for other lawn and garden equipment as well.

Water jets, laser cutters, and milling equipment could also be used to produce the FOA Compliant Centrifugal Clutch.

Compliant Clutch
By Howell, L.L. , Crane, N.B.
U.S. Patent No. 6,736,249
May 2004
https://www.instagram.com/byucmr/
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