MenuUnderstanding Industrial Clutch & Brake Actuation
Actuation of a clutch or brake is the method by which it is energized and de-energized.
The actuation method is used to either permit or prevent the transfer or torque through a device. For example, Carlyle Johnson offers spring engaged (electrically released) as well as electrically engaged clutches and brakes.
Industrial Brake and Clutch Types of Actuation
| Type | Engagement | Feature |
| Electric | Automatic | Self-adjusting discs |
| Mechanical | Manual | May be locked in position |
Electrically Actuated
An electrically actuated clutch or brake contains a magnetic coil which, when energized with power, creates a magnetic field to activate (or, in the case of a spring applied device, deactivate) the clutch or brake.
Mechanically Actuated
Mechanical clutches and brakes offer an additional advantage in that they can be supplied such that they are locked in either the engaged or disengaged position, thus it is not necessary to sustain the actuation energy to maintain the state of the device.
Once engaged they will remain locked in the engaged position until they are manually released by moving a shifter sleeve into the disengaged position, or automatically released - for example in the event of a torque overload.
Overview
Methods of Brake & Clutch Actuation
The common methods of actuation are:
Actuated Clutches & Brakes
- Spring engaged-electrically released
- Electrically engaged
- Mechanically locked
