Over center manual cone clutch

[brian Rupnow]

First results are in, and they are very positive. When the clutch is disengaged, there is absolutely no connection between the cone and the cup, and no drag at all. When the clutch is engaged, it locks up the cup and cone shafts. The pressure required to get the handle to "cam over" is quite small. I may rethink the adjustment I had modelled, because it looks like I can add one adjusting screw to the bar under the handle to limit how far it goes before it locks.

[brian Rupnow]

I have changed the adjusting mechanism for the "over center" condition to something a lot simpler and less work. Sometimes when I am designing and building things, I will reach a point part way thru the assembly where I can see a better solution to a problem than I designed in the first place. This is not unusual, and as everything I design is a "prototype" it doesn't bother me. (as long as I haven't already made the part). The last thing I need to build is a baseplate which will allow me to bolt this clutch down to my worktable.

[brian Rupnow]

So in the end----The baseplate becomes a "Use what you have". I wasn't going to run downtown to buy a piece of 3/8" plate. The clutch is finished now, and I have to figure out a good way to set up a YouTube video. I wanted to use my driveshaft with universal joints between whatever engine I used and the clutch.--Problem with that is that of all my engines, only one or two have a crankshaft extension out the side opposite of my starter set up. I will figure something out, and make a demonstration video.--And before you ask---That backdrop is not for sale. I have already been offered two million by the Canadian art institute, but I'm holding out and negotiating for three.

[brian Rupnow]

All I needed was a little nap. Woke up knowing how I was going to make the video.--Tomorrow---

[brian Rupnow]

Right on the cusp of an exciting new video---and one of my universal joints flew apart. Video will be delayed until Loctite holding one of the universal joint pins in place sets up. It's colder than a witches tit out in my main garage, and I've been sick for a week. Will put a heat lamp on the offending parts and maybe a video later today--maybe tomorrow. I do know this much---The flathead engine has enough beans to run the clutch mechanism in it's disengaged mode. I was just reaching to engage the clutch when the universal joint flew apart.

[brian Rupnow]

So, today we have the video I intended to make yesterday. The clutch operates just as I had hoped, and the video gives a good overview of the clutch in operation. I have a set of 21 engineering drawings of this clutch, which can be built using a small manual mill and manual lathe. I sell the plans for $25 Canadian funds, contact me at [email protected] The input and output shafts are 3/8" diameter, and both shafts ride on double sealed ball bearings. hope you enjoy the video.---Brian Rupnow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRT5upEIC-s

[Toolguy]

Nicely done, Brian. I like the engineering of that one a lot. It seems like a very good design.

[brian Rupnow]

Thanks Toolguy. I knew the concept of the cone clutch would work, because I built one a few years ago which worked very well, except that it has a "dead" central shaft. I wanted to recreate it, only this time with a "live" central shaft, which offers more versatility. The big issue with any of these smaller "home brewed" clutches is how to keep them engaged or disengaged. If you don't have a lever with a shift gate which the lever snaps into, they have a propensity for jumping into or out of engagement, which can be quite alarming. The "over center" mechanism works very well to solve that problem. It is the same mechanical locking principal as is used on Destaco clamps. This will be my last clutch build for the foreseeable future.---Brian Rupnow