How to Transfer Intermittent Rotary Motion to a Continuously Running Flywheel?

In summary, the conversation discusses the need for a mechanism that can intermittently give a push to a continually running flywheel using a driver wheel or gear. Various suggestions are given, such as using a clutch+fluid coupling or an overrunning clutch, and one person suggests using a synchro system or a sprag clutch. The conversation ends with the suggestion of using a standard automobile starter with a helical spline to engage the flywheel.
  • #1
zydubion1
11
0
I have intermittent rotary motion that I want to send to a continually running flywheel. The flywheel in mounted to one shaft, the intermittent rotary motion comes from a wheel or gear (driver) that is mounted to another shaft. Shafts are parallel. The flywheel is continually running but not rotating at a constant speed. Regardless of the flywheel speed, I want to be able to occasionally and at random give the flywheel a push via the driver when the driver gets a burst of random energy. When the driver does get a burst of energy, it will have this energy for only one revolution and it will then stop and wait for the next burst of energy. The driver wheel or gear can stop in a waiting location that is disengaged from the flywheel. Can someone direct me to the possible mechanisms that can perform this task?
 
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  • #2
Perhaps you can try some sort of clutch+fluid coupling as an automatic transmission. It seems like any direct mechanical coulpling wouldn't work as it would necessitate the two wheels to be moving at exactly the same speed when they engage otherwise there would be lots of jerking and losses.
 
  • #3
What if the OD of the flywheel had spur gear teeth, and the driver also has mating gear teeth but only about 3 or 4 teeth, the rest of the driver OD without teeth. The driver would stop immediately after delivering a push to the flywheel and the teeth of the driver would be just past and disengaged from the flywheel teeth. There, the driver would lay in waiting for the next burst of energy. Then it would rotate one full revolution, engage with the flywheel, give the push, and again stop just outside the reach of the gear teeth. Thus there is no tooth engagement whilst the flywheel is able to continue rotating. Does any such device exist? Would the gear teeth mesh or sometimes crash?
 
  • #4
zydubion1 said:
Would the gear teeth mesh or sometimes crash?

I suppose that a synchro system, as is used in a manual car transmission, might avoid crashes. This was actually the first thought that I had when reading the OP. An overrunning clutch (like an automotive Bendix) might be easier, though.
 
  • #5
This problem description really calls for an over running clutch in one form or another. Look at the possibility of a a sprag clutch for this application.
 
  • #6
The standard automobile starter with the starter (pinion) gear on a helical spline driving a flywheel might be a good statring point. You might have to drive a parallel geared up axle with the helical spline on it to get the speed necessary to engage the flywheel with the pinion gear. The nice thing about the pinion gear on the helical spline is that it releases automatically when the flywheel is going faster than the pinion gear.
 

FAQ: How to Transfer Intermittent Rotary Motion to a Continuously Running Flywheel?

What is intermittent rotary motion?

Intermittent rotary motion refers to the type of motion where a rotary mechanism only rotates for a set or intermittent period of time, rather than continuously.

What are some examples of intermittent rotary motion?

Examples of intermittent rotary motion include the movement of a wind-up toy, the rotation of a mechanical clock, and the spinning of a carousel.

How is intermittent rotary motion different from continuous rotary motion?

The main difference between intermittent and continuous rotary motion is that intermittent motion only occurs for a set duration, while continuous motion occurs without interruption.

What are the main applications of intermittent rotary motion?

Intermittent rotary motion is commonly used in machines and devices that require precise and controlled movement, such as in manufacturing, packaging, and automation processes.

What are the advantages of using intermittent rotary motion?

Intermittent rotary motion allows for more efficient and precise control of movement, reduces wear and tear on machinery, and can be used in applications where continuous motion is not necessary or desirable.

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