Wichita Clutch LKM Clutch - Manual (Page 3)

I N D U S T R I A L C L U T C H P R O D U C T S 42
LKM Clutch Design Features
LKM AIR SET MARINE CLUTCH DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
The Model LKM marine clutch incorporates many of the
features found in our Model LK clutch series with some
notable exceptions. Cyclic applications, where the LK style
finds its most frequent use, contain duty cycles which bear
little resemblance to marine main propulsion service. Marine
clutches are required to make infrequent, yet in some
instances, severe engagements from a heat standpoint. The
clutches are also called upon to run for extended periods in
the engaged position (ahead clutches) and for extended
periods in the disengaged position (reverse clutches).
The Model LK clutches were rugged enough to handle the
load duty cycle from a torque and heat standpoint but
required modification to their separation systems in order to
be suitable for marine service. Industrial Clutch Products
was the first to recognize the importance of positive plate
separation for marine service and all clutches installed in
marine service contained this feature. Disc clutches for
marine service without positive plate separation have
experienced a sad approval rating from users.
This is particularly true in forward/reverse service where,
strangely enough, the unloaded reverse clutch gives the
greatest degree of trouble. Because of the gearing
arrangement, the outer members of this clutch rotate in
one direction while the inner member rotates in the other.
This gives rise to the term “twice relative rotation.” The cant
of the gear to which these clutches are mounted in order to
align with the propeller shaft as well as vessel motion due to
wave action causes the clutch plates, if not positively
separated, to kiss and wear or burn-out. Exactly the same
result would occur if one were going down the road in an
automobile at a high rate of speed with the brake pedal
lightly depressed.
To eliminate this, Industrial Clutch Products designed and
patented positive plate separation which has accrued over
30 years of field experience in marine main propulsion
service. The separating system is self-adjusting for wear and
no adjustments are ever required by the user during regular
use or during routine maintenance. No plate contact can
occur with this unique positive plate separation system and
the many advantages of the disc clutch can be fully realized
for marine service.
The incorporation of positive plate separation, a bearing
cavity for the outboard quill bearing, and modifications made
to increase the load carrying capacity on a continual basis
changed the time-proven LK design into the Model LKM
marine clutch.
Model LKM-330-B clutches, each rated 5250 HP @ 500 RPM connect dual engine
inputs to a single propeller on a Falk Model 55 x 20 DMA1-S marine gear.
Photo courtesy of Falk Corporation