Wedge Type or Roller Type? Which Type of Overrunning Clutch to Choose for Tricycles

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There are two types of overrunning clutch(one-way clutch), Wedge Type and Roller Type, and which one is more suitable for tricycles? Tricycles are usually used for heavy loading jobs, for cargos or for passengers. Thus, it is believed the Roller type, which is of simple-structured, more tolerant to machining accuracy level and 360 degree rotating, is more stable and of longer lifespan than the Wedge Type, which is of tilting type, and requires higher machining and assembling accuracy.

1. Roller Type Overrunning Clutch

3 Rollers: good for power under 150cc

6 Rollers: good for power 150-200cc(under)

9 Rollers: good for power 150-250cc(included)

The malfunction of this type of overrunning clutch mainly comes from:

  1. Failure of Spring: due to the backlash force and the high temperature
  2. Abrasion of Roller: the friction shrink the roller’s diameter(however, if the shrink is within 0.05mm, it can still work)

2. Wedge Type Overrunning Clutch

16 Wedges, 18 Wedges, 20 Wedges

The Stuck of this type of overrunning clutch mainly comes from:

  1. Uneven abrasion among wedges
  2. Abrasion of Wedges
  3. Spring Breakup

3. Comparison Between Two Types of Overrunning Clutches

4. Conclusion

With lower expense and higher accountability, it is suggested to use Roller Type Overrunning Clutches on tricycles, especially the high-displacement(over 200cc) tricycles.