Assembly injection molded friction clutches as mechanical overload protection for mechatronic devices

Assembly molded friction clutches can provide effective protection for mechatronic actuator devices against mechanical overload. This paper presents the characteristic properties of these machine elements, some fundamental aspects for material choice, and an approach for torque calculation. The influence of temperature change on functionality is shown and systematically traced back to the effects of temperature on thermal expansion coefficient, modulus of elasticity and friction. These outlined interrelations provide the fundamental understanding an engineer needs for part design.