Wedge Design and Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of Unequal-Length Wedge Slant Support Clutch

This article proposes a design method for a “slow connect”-type clutch with unequal-length wedges, which ensures the wedges’ wear life while improving the engagement reliability of the clutch. A finite element model of the dynamics of an unequal-length wedge clutch was constructed. Compared with an ordinary clutch, the output shaft impact was reduced by more than 30%, and the response time and engagement time were reduced by approximately 50%. It was found that for every 0.005 mm increase in the length of the middle section of the wedge, the critical detachment speed of the wedge increased by approximately 2.2%. Finally, the excellent engagement response performance of the unequal-length wedge slant support clutch was verified through experiments.