Patent ID: 6109409
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A family of one-way sprag clutches, comprising:concentric inner and outer races rotating about each other, each of said races defining a bearing diameter and a sprag diameter;a bearing between the races having inner and outer diameters corresponding to said inner and outer race bearing diameters, said bearing diameters differing within the family by a pre-determined increment multiple;a plurality of identical sprags arranged between said races, each said sprag including inner and outer surfaces for respectively engaging said inner and outer race sprag diameters and further including first and second radially extending surfaces extending between said inner and outer surfaces;said first radially extending surface including a nose such that the circumferential width of said sprag between said nose and said second radially extending surface defines a circumferential arc-length, said nose contacting said second radially extending surface of an adjacent sprag along a pre-determined sprag contact diameter;said arc-length being pre-selected as a function of one of said bearing diameters and of said pre-determined increment multiple such that for said multiple a whole number of sprags are used to achieve positive continuous engagement.