Help from Mechanical Engineer types...

[Simmo]

I have a transmission dilema:-



I want to run a T56 in the Elky but I've got a foot injury which may end making this too difficult. I'm currently exploring auto options, but if I can keep the clutch I'll be very happy!

I want to know what sort of actuator I should be looking for to operate a clutch electro-mechanically. My best option come across so far would be an electromagnetic actuator on the clutch pedal itself. The force/stroke required will obviously depend on the pedal ratio, im guessing short stroke/high force would be best to get fast engagement/disengagement.

It would have to have variable force to provide progressive operation of the clutch. I would wire it up with an electrical syncro to a trigger/lever or even a button potentiometer on the shifter.

This has been done before but all the options I've found have been cost prohibitive so any help/hints/tips would be greatly appreciated!

[ace_xp2]

Just thinking out loud here, but what about a vacuum booster? Maybe with one of the right size you could actuate a clutch with your hands... I think you'd need a really light action clutch though (and a fair sized booster). Good excuse for some 5.5" carbon/carbon goodness

[Simmo]

Just thinking out loud here, but what about a vacuum booster? Maybe with one of the right size you could actuate a clutch with your hands... I think you'd need a really light action clutch though (and a fair sized booster). Good excuse for some 5.5" carbon/carbon goodness

Appreciated...ideas like this are what I'm after!

I already have a hyrdoboost so perhaps there is a hydraulic assisted solution out there as well? Yeah I think a twin and maybe a different master will be needed to fine tune it.

Keep'm comin!

[FlyDoc]

how about using a motorcycle clutch lever on the shifter to operate the clutch, cable to the hyrdoboost.

[Happyfunballs]

You might be better off with an air assist system. Short throw air cylinder, tank, compressor, and 2 solenoids for control. If pressure from a regular compressor is not enough, you could go with a CO2 tank.

[67zo6Camaro]

Sounds like that you may be driving this on the streets. If so you will need some type of human input to control the clutch to help modulate from start to stop... in traffic ect.

I'm also just thinking out loud.... Some type of lever like an e-brake hooked up to a hydralic system. Lever will have a lock button so you can lock the lever in the clutch dis-engaged position while you shift gears, then you release it with the same shifting hand at any rate you would like. This would allow for one hand on the steering wheel and one hand operating the shifting and clutching.

It's also possible to make these levers co-exist so that the operating could be in one swoop of the arm with the hand controling the actuated shift (by button) and the arm motion actually acting like the foot clutch motion. Testing of the two options may lend to the one that is the easiest or most comfortable for your driving style.

I see the first option (e-brake style center clutch lever) as the least expensive and simpliest to set up. Very similar to what the "drifters" are using now. You would not need to modify the trans and/or shifter, you would only need to relocate hydralic lines (and/or convert to a hydralic clutch setup) and install the e-brake style clutch lever.

[67zo6Camaro]

how about using a motorcycle clutch lever on the shifter to operate the clutch, cable to the hyrdoboost.

This one I like... my mind is going and I think this is do-able. This is along the lines of my second opinion having shifting and clutching coexist on the same lever.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

This one I like... my mind is going and I think this is do-able. This is along the lines of my second opinion having shifting and clutching coexist on the same lever.

Brett I have an idea that is perfect for you. Exile Cycles makes a mechanical throttle and clutch 'twist' activated handlebar grips (right/left). You could integrate them into a steering wheel...

About halfway down the page:
http://www.exilecycles.com/index.php?section=37

[Bryce]

http://tiger-racing.com/tigerorg/controls.html

Check that out!

[Simmo]

Thanks for the input guys,

All the suggestions have merit, it's having an acceptable amount of force required that will be the challenge. I've come to the conclusion that I'll be limited to what actuators are available. Anyone have any links on what they think may be suitable would be cool.

Anyone know the force required to disengage say a mcleod twin plate? I'll try work back from there to find a suitable way to gain mechanical advantage and then i can narrow down actuator choice.

Google "duck clutch aerial atom" and you'll see the setup im trying to simulate, without the $4000 price tag!

[Simmo]

http://tiger-racing.com/tigerorg/controls.html

Check that out!

Awesome! Ill shoot them an email to see if they'll divulge some specs..