Switching Torque Converter: Concept and Preliminary Implementation

概要

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It is preferable to refrain from switching the torque in mechanical systems because the abrupt change tends to cause vibration and noise. However, such vibration can be beneficial if it is used to store mechanical energy. Moreover, torque switching operations at higher frequencies are becoming possible because of the recent advances in clutch devices. This paper describes a novel torque conversion mechanism based on torque switching operations. The fundamental principle of the mechanism is the reciprocal translation between the work to and from axles and the rotational energy of a flywheel. Clutches are used to intermittently connect or disconnect the axles with the flywheel; the output torque is controlled by changing the time ratio of the connection. By performing switching operations at a higher frequency, almost continuous torque conversion can be realized. A prototype was created using electrorheological fluid clutches, and it showed the potential for torque conversion. The performance of the prototype was also analyzed by numerical simulation; this showed that the prototype worked in accordance with the principle. Moreover, the potential capability of the principle was investigated using a numerical model and the results suggest that by improving the mechanical design, a considerable improvement in performance is possible.
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