GDFN electrically released tooth clutch for continuous low-energy transmission

For applications with limited heat dissipation

At a glance
  • Industry Construction / Cable pulling machines
  • Requirement Keep two shafts connected during continuous operation
  • Solution Electrically released tooth clutch
  • Benefit Reduced energy consumption

Application overview

Application
Cable pulling machines for reinforced concrete pillars
Customer type
Machine manufacturer
Scenario
Continuous operation at low speed
Working environment
Possible presence of dust and water
Usage conditions
  • Required engagement type: at standstill
  • Lubrication conditions: dry running

The design challenge

The customer needed to keep two mechanical transmission shafts permanently connected while allowing occasional disengagement through electrical control. The application involved machines used to pull and insert cable bundles inside reinforced concrete pillars up to 100–200 metres long, operating at low speeds and in particularly harsh environmental conditions. The customer’s technical department had initially designed an assembly using a positively engaged electromagnetic tooth clutch, with torque transmission obtained through continuous coil energisation. During Telcomec’s technical evaluation, a major issue immediately emerged: the clutch was installed inside a closed metal tube with very limited heat dissipation. In this configuration, the coil remained constantly energised in order to keep the transmission engaged, generating significant heat build-up and consequently reducing clutch service life.

Summary
Before
  • Positively engaged electromagnetic clutch
  • Torque transmission through electrical power
Objective
  • Reduced overheating
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Extended clutch service life

The solution with GDFN electrically released tooth clutches

To eliminate the thermal issue, a negatively engaged GDFN electromagnetic tooth clutch was selected. In this configuration:

  • torque transmission is achieved through spring force;
  • mechanical engagement is maintained without electrical power;
  • disengagement occurs only through electrical energisation;

This solution eliminated the heat normally generated by the coil during continuous machine operation. In addition, even during clutch disengagement phases — when electrical power is applied — the customer can keep the system energised for several minutes using a holding voltage of only 12 VDC, achieving extremely limited coil heating.

How it works in the application

  • Function Engagement / disengagement
  • Operating mode Power-off engaged
  • Operating conditions Continuous operation
  • Toothing Triangular

Benefits for the machine manufacturer

Torque transmission without electrical power
Torque transmission takes place without energising the coil, eliminating the heat normally generated during continuous operation.
24/7 continuous operation
The solution allows the transmission system to remain permanently engaged even in continuous-duty applications.
Reduced energy consumption
Electrical power is required only during clutch disengagement.
Extended clutch service life
The drastic reduction in thermal stress on the coil improves both reliability and component service life.

Similar applications

Negatively engaged electromagnetic clutches are generally a highly effective solution for applications where the transmission assembly must be installed inside enclosed housings. These housings are typically designed to protect mechanical components from harsh environments involving dust, water, humidity and contaminants

This configuration is particularly suitable when:

  • the transmission must normally remain engaged;
  • disengagement is required only occasionally;
  • continuous operation and extended component life are required.

In these applications, the use of a negatively engaged clutch drastically reduces the thermal load on the electrical coil, improving reliability, energy efficiency and overall operating life of the system.

Typical industries
Construction machinery Special-purpose machinery

Are you designing a machine with similar requirements?

Every application starts from a specific technical analysis: contact us to evaluate the most suitable solution for your project.

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