A centrifugal clutch is activated by engine speed and RPM and can be adjusted by swapping out springs. It consists of an internal mechanism and external housing, and altering the weights and springs can manipulate the clutch’s stall speed. The clutch uses gravity and centrifugal force to engage gradually, unlike an electromagnetic clutch.
A centrifugal clutch is often used on a small engine. Using springs and weights to engage, a centrifugal clutch is activated by engine speed and revolutions per minute (RPM). By swapping out the springs with springs of a different tension, the centrifugal clutch can be made to engage sooner or later in the RPM range. Mounted on the output shaft of the engine, the centrifugal clutch has a sprocket attached to its rear and drives a chain connected to the shaft or drive wheel. This clutch system was used more on go karts and mini bikes instead of a torque converter and belt drive.
The clutch assembly consists of two pieces, an internal clutch mechanism and an external housing. The internal mechanism rotates on the motor’s output shaft, while the external casing and its attached pinion remain stationary. As the RPM of the engine increases, the centrifugal force of the turning mechanism throws off the weights that are held in place by the springs, hence the centrifugal clutch. When the weights reach their fully extended positions, they contact the outer casing and begin to drive similar to releasing the clutch in a car. As the centrifugal clutch begins to spin faster, the vehicle begins to accelerate.
The centrifugal clutch’s stall speed is easily manipulated by altering the weights and springs, allowing the engine to stay in its power band while driving the vehicle. Stronger springs and lighter weights will result in a clutch that engages at a higher speed. Conversely, installing lighter springs and heavier weights will create a clutch that engages at much lower RPM’s. Engaging the centrifugal clutch at a higher engine RPM will result in more power being applied to the tires as it engages. This is fine for a racing application, but can make it difficult to operate in a street driven vehicle due to the fast and powerful takeoffs.
Like an electromagnetic clutch that uses electricity to engage the clutch, the centrifugal clutch uses gravity and centrifugal force to engage the mechanism. The advantage of the centrifugal unit lies in the gradual application of power as the weights are brought into position. The electronic version applies the full amount of power at the flick of a switch. This instantaneous application of power can often cause damage as the transmission line is put into instantaneous motion. Routine application of light oil to the weights helps keep the clutch in operating condition.
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