Centrifugal Clutch

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The Floating-Opposing-Arm (FOA) Centrifugal Clutch, created by the BYU CMR lab, harnesses compliant mechanism technology to produce a high-performance clutch with only two components. The clutch shoes are precision-fabricated from a single piece of material, while the flexible segments connecting the shoes eliminate the need for springs altogether. The two parts of the FOA clutch can be seen below. What is a centrifugal clutch? - A centrifugal clutch uses centrifugal force to engage two concentric shafts seamlessly. How does it work? The torque is transmitted from the central drive hub through the floating clutch shoes directly to the outer drum. Since centrifugal clutches rely on centrifugal force to actuate, there's increased engagement and friction between the shafts at greater speeds. Conversely, as the drive hub slows down, the floating clutch shoe retracts and disengages from the outer drum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qANs9G38rzA Advantages: - Low part count makes assembly and replacement incredibly easy. - Easy clutch assembly and replacement ensure minimal downtime. - Symmetry allows for use in either rotational direction, making it a versatile option. - Higher torque than non-aggressive shoes provides improved performance. - Smoother start than aggressive shoes results in a more efficient operation. - Low probability of self-locking ensures reliable functionality. - Adaptable to various materials and loads makes it a highly versatile solution.