sprocket on most clutches

[shake this]

Why are sprocket on most clutches doubled? The ones I have and seen in pictures seem to have the sprocket that you attach the chain to and then also one that is right next to the clutch housing…WHY? Might not even be two separate sprockets, it might just be the way the sprocket is made but I don't understand the use for having teeth so close to the housing.

Just something that makes me go hum????????????????

Here is a perfect example, look at the clutch. You see the sprocket in the foreground that the chain goes around, now look right behind it and you see a 2nd sprocket right up against the clutch housing.

http://diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9932

Look at the picture of Bluethunders mini bike

 

[anderkart]

They're just using the gear for extra bracing to make the the connection at the drum stronger.

Here's what the drum would look like before final assembly:

 

[shake this]

I guess that could be it but I figured the same could be done during the stamping process and why does it need teeth, wouldn’t a flat washer style brace work the same?

Might be one of those things that we will never know the true answer to. Like Area 51 or if Elvis is truly dead.

 

[anderkart]

Those teeth acting like splines to transmit the power, so in this case the welding is only necessary to hold the drum in place to the gear/hub. If they'd just used a flat washer instead the weld would be under much more stress having to serve both functions.

 

[shake this]

Those teeth acting like splines to transmit the power

I missed your 2nd picture when I first looked, it make more sense after seeing the 2nd picture.

 

[Wim]

Also, when they cut the teeth on the sprocket end the machine tool used probably cant route out and has to pass along the length of the work piece so you get the tooth pattern transferred onto what would otherwise look like a flat disk without machining.

...if that makes sense?