CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH SPRING INSTALLATION DEVICE

Abstract

A centrifugal clutch spring installation device comprises of rectangular base 101 having four telescopic rods 102 attached underneath base 101, rods 102 provided with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 for locomotion, chambers 104 disposed on base 101 for storing of springs 201, clamps 105 mounted on base 101 for holding clutch, angle sensor embedded in base 101 detects angle of clutch, speaker 106 provided on base 101 generate audio alert for user regarding defective clutch, tactile sensor provided in base 101 detects hardness level of clutch, L-shaped telescopic arm 107 attached on base 101 by means of a ball and socket joint 108 for fetching spring, laser sensor installed on base 101 for detecting displacement of clutch, microphone 109 provided on base 101 for receiving audio command from user, touch-enabled display 110 provided on base 101 for enabling user to provide touch input.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a centrifugal clutch spring installation device that installs springs onto centrifugal clutches as well as ensures the accuracy and precision of installation of springs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A centrifugal clutch is a type of automatic clutch that uses centrifugal force to engage and disengage the engine from the drivetrain. It consists of a set of weighted arms or shoes that are connected to the engine's crankshaft. As the engine speed increases, centrifugal force pushes the arms outward, causing them to engage with a drum connected to the drivetrain, thereby transmitting power. The spring in a centrifugal clutch is crucial as it controls the engagement and disengagement of the clutch, directly impacting the transmission of power. When the engine speed increases, centrifugal force causes the clutch shoes to overcome the spring tension and engage with the drum, transmitting power to the drivetrain. Traditionally a technician uses hand tools to stretch and position the springs into the designated slots on the clutch. This process requires significant physical effort and dexterity, as the springs must be accurately placed to ensure proper clutch operation.

[0003] Conventionally, traditional methods are useful but they have their own limitations. The traditional installation of springs onto centrifugal clutches is labor-intensive and prone to human error. It typically requires manual handling and precise alignment, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially with springs of varying tension levels. Ensuring uniformity in installation across multiple clutches is difficult, often leading to inconsistencies in clutch performance. Moreover, detecting defects like improper spring tension or misalignment relies heavily on visual inspection, which may not always be accurate or thorough. Therefore there is a need to develop a device that is capable of enhancing efficiency of the device and reduces manual labor effort.

[0004] US5560465A discloses about a centrifugal clutch includes a rotatable drum having a circularly cylindrical inside surface; a plurality of shoes, each shoe having an external engagement surface for frictionally contacting the inside surface of the drum, each shoe being coupled to a rotatable hub for rotation therewith when the hub rotates concentrically with the drum, movement being permitted of each shoe radially inwardly and outwardly relative to the drum; a rigid shoe member of each shoe having a radially inwardly projecting first lock portion and a radially outwardly projecting second lock portion circumferentially spaced from the first lock portion; and a plurality of compression springs, at least one of the compression springs being positioned for compression between the first and second lock portions of adjacent ones of the shoes for biasing the shoes in a direction radially inwardly from the inside surface of the drum, the combination of the springs and the lock portions locking the shoes from moving radially outwardly more than a predetermined distance beyond contact with the inside surface of the drum for preventing separation of the shoes in the event of axial disengagement or structural failure of the drum. US'465 relates to centrifugal clutches such as are used in light vehicles, chain saws, pumps, wind mills, compressors, engine, electric motor, wind driven products and the like for variably coupling rotational power sources to driven loads, however the device lacks in ensuring accuracy and precision of installation of springs.

[0005] US3610382A discloses about a centrifugal clutch particularly for a chain saw is provided. The clutch is made of two sintered centrifugal elements normally urged together by coil springs which are under compression when in a static condition and are further compressed as the clutch elements move outwardly under centrifugal force. By functioning in compression, the springs last longer and the engagement of the clutch is smoother. US'382 works by functioning in compression, the springs last longer and the engagement of the clutch is smoother, however the device lacks in improving the reliability and performance of the clutch.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of installing spring on the centrifugal clutch. However, lacks in providing a desired torque-speed relationship to match the characteristics of the power source as well as they are unreliable in that springs used therein are subject to breakage, particularly in that they have fatigue inducing stress risers in hooks at opposite ends.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of ensuring the accuracy and precision of installation of springs on centrifugal clutch as well as enhances the versatility and convenience of the device in various settings during installation of spring.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of installing springs onto centrifugal clutches, thus enhances efficiency and reduces manual labor effort.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring the accuracy and precision of installation of springs, thereby improves the reliability and performance of the clutch.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing easy movement and positioning of the device in order to enhance the versatility and convenience of the device in various settings.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a centrifugal clutch spring installation device that is capable of providing a means to a user to install spring onto centrifugal clutches. Additionally the device enhance the versatility and convenience in various settings to install the spring.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a centrifugal clutch spring installation device comprises of a rectangular base having four telescopic rods attached underneath the base, ends of the rods provided with motorized omnidirectional wheels for a locomotion of the base, a plurality of chambers disposed on the base for storing of springs having different tensions levels, a plurality of clamps mounted on the base for a holding of clutch the base, an angle sensor embedded in the base detects an angle of the clutch, a speaker provided on the base to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a defective clutch, a tactile sensor provided in the base detects a hardness level of the clutch.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises of an L-shaped telescopic arm attached on the base by means of a ball and socket joint for fetching a spring from one of the chambers, a laser sensor installed on the base for detecting a displacement of the clutch after installation of the spring, a microphone provided on the base for receiving an audio command from the user regarding installing spring on the clutch, a touch-enabled display is provided on the base for enabling the user to provide touch input regarding testing of the clutch, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a centrifugal clutch spring installation device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of chamber associated with the propose device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a centrifugal clutch spring installation device that is capable of installing springs onto centrifugal clutches as well as improves the reliability and performance of the clutch by ensuring the accuracy and precision of installation of springs.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a centrifugal clutch spring installation device and an internal view of chamber associated with the propose device is illustrated, respectively, comprising of a rectangular base 101 having four telescopic rods 102, ends of the rods 102 provided with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103, a plurality of chambers 104 disposed on the base 101 for storing springs 201, a plurality of clamps 105 mounted on the base 101, a speaker 106 provided on the base 101, an L-shaped telescopic arm 107 attached on the base 101 by means of a ball and socket joint 108, a microphone 109 provided on the base 101, a touch-enabled display 110 is provided on the base 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a rectangular base 101. The base 101 made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. A push button is integrated in the housing for activating or deactivating the device. The user manually pushes the button, when the button is pressed the electrical circuit gets completed, allowing flow of electric current to actuates a microcontroller associated with the device that regulates the working of the device.

[0024] The base 101 is configured with four telescopic rods 102 underneath at each corner in order to increase or decrease the height of the base 101. The telescopic rods 102 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the base 101. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the base 101 and due to applied pressure the base 101 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopic rods 102 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the piston in order to increase or decrease the height of the base 101.

[0025] The ends of the rods 102 are configured with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 that provides movement to the base 101 on the ground surface. The omnidirectional wheels 103 is designed to move the base 101 in any direction without changing the orientation of the base 101 offering exceptional maneuverability to the base 101. The wheels 103 enable the base 101 to move seamlessly in any direction, making it valuable for moving and positioning the base 101 over a ground surface. The omnidirectional wheels 103 have small discs or rollers around the circumference of the wheel that are powered by a direct current (DC) motor, enabling the wheels 103 to move in required direction, which provide the base 101 with the required movement. Plurality of chambers 104 are installed on the base 101 for storing spring that have different tensions levels.

[0026] The microcontroller actuates a microphone 109 installed on the base 101 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding installation of spring on the clutch. The microphone 109 contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the user hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the magnet's field, generating an electrical current. The signal of which are sent to the microcontroller for installing spring on the clutch.

[0027] Upon providing the input command regarding installation of spring, the microcontroller actuates plurality of clamps 105 installed on the base 101 in order to hold the clutch with the base 101. Plurality of clamps 105 ranges in between two to four in numbers. The clamps 105 are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the clamps 105 for holding the clutch with the base 101.

[0028] Upon holding the clutch with the base 101, a touch-enabled display 110 provided on the base 101 enables the user to provide touch input regarding testing of the clutch. When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display 110 panel to enter the input details regarding testing of the clutch, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display 110 panel senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. Further, the touch interactive display 110 panel transmits the signal to the microcontroller.

[0029] Upon providing input command regarding testing of the clutch, an angle sensor integrated in the base 101 detects the angle of the clutch. The angle sensor works by detecting changes in the position of a sensitive element due to the angle of inclination. The angles sensor consists of a sensitive element inside a casing, which is often a semiconductor and changes position with the angle of inclination. Gravity serves as the reference for the measurement. As the position of the sensitive element changes, it causes a corresponding change in the electrical properties of the sensor. The sensor translates the electrical changes into an output signal for the microcontroller.

[0030] The microcontroller upon receiving the signal, actuates a speaker 106 installed on the base 101 for generating an audio alert for the user regarding detection of defective clutch. The speaker 106 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding detection of defective clutch when the angle of the detected clutch is outside a predetermined angular range.

[0031] The base 101 is further integrated with a tactile sensor detects a hardness level of the clutch. The tactile sensor detects the hardness of the clutch by measuring the force of contact between the sensor and the surface of clutch. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against surface of the clutch and then pressed down. As the force of contact increases, the sensor measures the amount of pressure being applied and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the signal and determines the hardness of clutch. The determined hardness of the clutch is sent to the microcontroller in signal form, based on which the microcontroller actuates the speaker 106 in order to generate audio alert for the user regarding the defective clutch, if the detected hardness level of the clutch is below a predetermined hardness level.

[0032] Upon determining the hardness of the clutch, the microcontroller actuates an L-shaped telescopic arm 107 installed on the base 101 by means of a ball and socket joint 108 for acquiring a grip on the spring placed in one of the chambers 104. The L-shaped telescopic arm 107 works similar to telescopic rods 102 as discussed above for acquiring the grip on the spring placed in one of the chambers 104 in order to install the clutch by inserting the ends of the spring into the slots available on the clutch.

[0033] The ball and socket joint 108 provides a rotation to the L-shaped telescopic arm 107 for fetching the spring from one of the chambers 104. The ball and socket joint 108 is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the L-shaped telescopic arm 107. The ball and socket joint 108 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to L-shaped telescopic arm 107 for fetching the spring from one of the chambers 104.

[0034] Upon fetching the spring from one of the chambers 104, a laser sensor configured on the base 101 monitors the displacement of the clutch after installing the spring. The laser sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the clutch and back. The laser sensor emits a light towards the surface of clutch and when the laser beam hits the surface of the clutch, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor. Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the surface of the clutch. The sensor then calculates the displacement of the clutch and the calculated displacement is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to a microcontroller. If the monitored displacement of the clutch is below the threshold displacement, the microcontroller actuates the ball and socket joint 108, the arm and the clipper to remove the spring and install another spring onto the clutch.

[0035] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0036] The present invention works best in the following manner where the proposed device comprises of the rectangular base 101 with four telescopic rods 102 underneath, equipped with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103, allowing for precise movement and positioning. The chambers 104 stores springs 201 with varying tension levels, ensuring easy access to the appropriate spring needed for installation. Clamps 105 hold the clutch in place during the process. The angle sensor detects the clutch's angle. If the angle is outside a predetermined range, indicating the potential defect, the sensor triggers the microcontroller to actuate the speaker 106, alerting the user. The tactile sensor detects the clutch's hardness level. If it is below the predetermined level, the microcontroller activates the speaker 106 to alert the user of a defective clutch. The L-shaped telescopic arm 107, fetches the spring from one of the chambers 104 and installs it onto the clutch by inserting the ends of the spring into the clutch's slots. The laser sensor detects the displacement of the clutch after the spring installation. If the displacement is below a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the ball and socket joint 108, the arm, and a clipper to remove the spring and install another one.

[0037] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , Claims:1) A centrifugal clutch spring installation device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having four telescopic rods 102 attached underneath said base 101, ends of said rods 102 provided with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 for a locomotion of said base 101;
ii) a plurality of chambers 104 disposed on said base 101 for storing of springs 201 having different tensions levels;
iii) a plurality of clamps 105 mounted on said base 101 for a holding of clutch said base 101;
iv) an angle sensor embedded in said base 101 detects an angle of said clutch to trigger a microcontroller to actuate a speaker 106 provided on said base 101 to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a defective clutch if said angle is detected to be outside a predetermined angular range;
v) a tactile sensor provided in said base 101 detects a hardness level of said clutch to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said speaker 106 to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a defective clutch if said hardness level is below a predetermined hardness level;
vi) an L-shaped telescopic arm 107 attached on said base 101 by means of a ball and socket joint 108, for fetching a spring from one of said chambers 104 for installation on said clutch by inserting ends of said spring into slots of said clutch; and
vii) a laser sensor installed on said base 101 for detecting a displacement of said clutch after installation of said spring, wherein if said detected displacement is below a threshold displacement, said microcontroller actuates said ball and socket joint 108, said arm and said clipper to remove said spring and install another spring onto said clutch.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 109, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding installing spring on said clutch to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said telescopic arm 107, said ball and socket joint 108, for fetching a spring from one of said chambers 104 for installation on said clutch by inserting ends of said spring into slots of said clutch.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch-enabled display 110, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 101 for enabling said user to provide touch input regarding testing of said clutch, to actuate said angle sensor to detect an angle of said clutch and said tactile sensor to detect a hardness level of said clutch.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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