Custom manual clutch

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ddowns46

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Hi all, been browsing around for a quite a while. I grew up riding mini bikes, go karts, and gas scooters. I always thought it would be cool to have a manual clutch as opposed to a centrifugal clutch or torque converter. So i designed and prototyped one :thumbsup:

This clutch will bolt on to any horizontal shaft engine with a 3/4" shaft. The clutch will be disengaged via the lever arm shown in the pics above. This lever will be either actuated by foot pedal or handlebar lever.

I still haven't done any testing yet because I still need to have the clutch liner installed, but I am fairly confident that the clutch will perform well (given it's the first prototype!).

I think having a manual clutch on a go kart would be advantageous for the following reasons:

1. positive clutch engagement. It will only slip when the driver wants it to slip.
2. decompression braking
3. ability to bump start.
4. burnouts! and wheelies for the minibikers
5. gives kids a chance to learn how to use a clutch before graduating to dirtbikes and cars with manual transmissions.
6. changing engagement speed does not require a special tool and expensive centrifugal clutch.
7. clutch feathering to get up steep hills.
8. potential advantages in go kart and mini bike racing


Let me know what you think!:wai: I will be sure to post videos when I've got it up and running.
 

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souperman000

souperman000

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That thing is really neat. A very clean prototype.

I think we would all love some more information on how it works. A video would be great too! :thumbsup:

P.S. You should probably get a patent out on that thing. Wouldn't want anyone stealing your idea. (And i would hope no one here wants to).

Oh - :welcome2: to the forum! Glad you finally :)toetap05:) decided to join.
 
B man

B man

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souperman000 said:
That thing is really neat. A very clean prototype.

I think we would all love some more information on how it works. A video would be great too! :thumbsup:

P.S. You should probably get a patent out on that thing. Wouldn't want anyone steling your idea. (And i would hope no one here wants to).

Oh - :welcome2: to the forum! Glad you finally :)toetap05:) decided to join.
Click to expand...

thats why you don't go to in depth about the inner workings.:lolgoku:

Even though i already figured it out. haha
 
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ddowns46

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Haha, I'm sure that some shop in China is trying to reverse engineer it from the pictures as I type!
 
fowler

fowler

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once u pantent it u will have to show us the insides
i rekon iv got a good idea how it works but i wont put it up just yet
looks great
hope it works great
 
jman231994

jman231994

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What are your expectations for heat resistance and wear? If you could actually feather it like you said without wearing it out quickly it would be a god send for karts, let us make our own clutched gearbox's too :D
 
devino246

devino246

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Does it work similarity to an automotive clutch? I've always thought making one similar would be pretty easy for someone with access to the proper tooling.
 
r_chez_08

r_chez_08

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Really clean piece there, nice one.
What would you estimate you could sell these for and still get a good margin?
 
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