Clutch Drive Train Design

Annually, the University of Kentucky sends a team of students to the ASABE 1/4 Scale Tractor Design Competition. Previously, a centrifugal and electromagnetic clutch were joined to smoothly engage the drivetrain of the tractor, but caused slippage at lower engine speeds. An electromagnetic clutch alone engaged harshly, causing driver discomfort. Our design for a gradually engaging electromagnetic clutch assembly with multiple drive ratios provides smooth power transfer and improved performance.