SG Transmission has designed and manufactured a permanent magnetic clutch for a global, medical device manufacturer, replacing the need for both a brake and a clutch, saving money and weight.
The fail-safe clutch utilises rare earth permanent magnets to generate the magnetic field keeping the clutch engaged, should the power fail.
The clutch was designed to replace the existing clutch in a drive mechanism, which needed power to engage the clutch.
The existing configuration could, in the event of power failure, allow the mechanism to potentially become free moving in an uncontrolled manner. Standard practise would be to use a fail-safe brake in this arrangement to control the free movement, which would create an additional cost.
The clutch has the potential to replace both components and not only save space, weight and part count, but also save on cost.
