The clutch serves two purposes:
- Engage the load – Make the go kart go
- Disengage the Load – Make the gokart stop or slow down
There are several clutch systems that are use in go karting:
- Centrifugal Clutches
- Variable Transmission Clutches
- Belt Clutches
- Liquid Medium Clutches
- Electric Clutches
- Hydraulic System
Centrifugal Clutches
Centrifugal clutches are the most common, and the most cost effective clutches on the market.
The clutch operates by taking weights that are mounted on the engine shaft, and flinging them out to the hub/bell of the clutch driver.
Some higher end clutches for racing will only engage at 2000 , 3000 or even higher, to maximize the grab of the clutch and the engine power. Typical engines have good power band at around 2000-3000 rpms.
There are two types shown, the sprocket version and the v-belt version.
Variable Transmission Clutches
The purpose, again, of the clutch system is to get the load going.
The driver pulley is changed in pitch by centrifugal weights. As the speed of the engine increases, the plates of the pulley squeeze on the sides of the belt.
The driven pulley has cam features that cause the driven pulley to push out. The pushing out action causes the pulley diameter to become smaller. As the driven pulley becomes smaller, the output speed of the driven pulley increases.
Belt Clutches
Belt clutches use the method of tightening the belt gradually to engage the clutch. There are two different methods:
- Belt Tensioner System
- Full Belt Tension System
Figure 1
Figure 1 shows the belt being tensioned by the idler pulley or the belt tensioner.
Liquid Clutches
Liquid clutches are durable and expensive. They are similar to the centrifugal clutch in that they operate on speed.
The way a Liquid Clutch works is that it has two turbine wheels contained in a sealed oil container. The engine turbine wheel wheel spins and causes the oil to spray out at the second paddle wheel.
Most gokart traks that run their gokarts all day use Liquid clutches. The oil inside the clutch absorbs the heat, and prevents damage to the clutch from occurring.
Electric Clutches
Electric Clutches are simple and expensive.
The clutch driver is a flexible plate that hovers above the cast iron disk.The clutch engagement force is related to the magnetic force imparted by the electromagnetic.
Hydraulic System
The losses come in hydraulic oil flow friction, pump and motor friction, and oil break down (heat).
The system operates on the principle of building pressure.
Drive Systems Layout
Getting the engine to impart its magnificent power to the pavement requires a drive system. There are several systems they are:
- Chain Drive
- Belt Drive
- Combination Belt/Chain
- Variable Speed Transmissions
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