The Mechanical Diode (MD) One-Way Clutch was initially launched into mass production back in 1997 due to the robust performance inherent to the design. It replaced a competing technology that was catastrophically failing in police and taxi fleets across the United States. Since then over 22 million MD’s have been installed into production transmissions with a 0 PPM Quality rating. Complimenting the superior quality and design of the MD are the actual performance attributes, outperforming competing technologies in Fatigue Life, Ultimate Torque Capacity and Spin Loss while remaining lighter in weight.

One of the main advantages of the Mechanical Diode, especially in an automotive landscape where the focus is continually on improving overall vehicle fuel consumption, is the reduced spin-loss of the clutch when compared with other available technologies in the marketplace today. The improved efficiency of the MD is a function of the system dynamics designed directly into the clutch itself. This efficiency can be further optimized by working with customers early on in the design phase of their new products and even retro-fitted into existing applications yielding significant efficiency improvements.

Another advantage of the MD OWC is the ease of integration into the operating environment. The value of the integration is evident in many ways which include, but are not limited to, the following, 1) Cost savings due to elimination of components, 2) Reduction of part numbers, 3) Increased functionality, 4) Smaller overall packaging environment and 5) Reduced efforts in managing a more complex supply base. Not only can the MD save cost by reducing components but often times is more affordable than competing technologies especially at the larger diameters due to the materials in which the MD is manufactured which lend themselves well to net-formed geometries and processing optimization.

The Mechanical Diode is often times made up of (5) major components that independently appear to be quite simple, however, when assembled yield a product that has built a history of superior performance and quality around the globe. The components are a Pocket Plate, Notch Plate, Spring, Strut and Retention Device. The interaction and design of the components is a highly engineered process that incorporates years of design, application and engineering expertise, dynamic and static analysis in conjunction with a rigorous internal testing regimen to validate all products from initial prototyping phases through the life of production.