This work has established a model for the behavior of the Float-ing-Opposing-Arm FOA centrifugal clutch and used it to determine the most sensitive design variables, to minimize performance variations, and to predict the behavior of stacked layers. By manufacturing the compliant clutch in multiple layers, not only is it feasible to produce these clutches in high volumes, but the variations in engagement and torque performance decreased, therefore allowing the clutch to perform more consistently. In addition, the FOA design accounts for performance sensitivity to variations in both design parameters and manufacturing processes and minimizes such variations. FOA clutch testing showed that the compliant clutch is comparable to the benchmark clutch in both engagement speed and torque capacity.
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