Clutch is key to smooth rowing action

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 23, 2002

Cam clutches and custom spindles from Tsubaki UK have provided the instant engagement required to make the WaterRower rowing simulator sound and feel like the real thing.

Cam clutches and custom spindles from Tsubaki UK have provided the instant engagement required to make the WaterRower rowing simulator sound and feel like the real thing.

Tsubaki's torque transmission system also offered WaterRower an indefinite service life in an application where contact with corrosive material is commonplace.

The WaterRower is aimed at top fitness centres and the quality end of the home-use market.

It uses a novel water-filled turbine to replicate the natural dynamics of rowing.

Peter King, Director of WaterRower explained that: "We asked Tsubaki to help develop a system that transmits torque from the belt wraps, pulled by the user, to the unique WaterFlywheel which creates the necessary resistance.

During the design process we found Tsubaki to be a very proactive company to work with providing creative solutions to our design problems.

The final design gives a 'silky smooth action', which is both ergonomically desirable and appropriate to the premium quality image of the product.

It also proved to be very competitive in terms of price and delivery terms".

Tsubaki's BB-2GD cam clutches were specified in the WaterRower's power transmission system to provide the positive and instantaneous pickup needed for fluid operation.

The clutch eliminates the initial indexing action of traditional friction clutches, which can be felt when pulling strokes on other rowing machines.

The unexpected indexing of a friction clutch can also cause detrimental impact or jerking motion, incurring muscle strains and injuries not experienced when rowing a boat.

King commented that: "The combination of Tsubaki's clutch system and WaterFlywheel removes the mechanical feel found on lesser rowing machines.

Its quiet operation enables both the experience and sound of rowing to be closely imitated.

Tsubaki supplied a smooth, strong and accurate indexing torque transmission system that has enabled us to create a device that is so simple and feels so natural.

It is more appropriate to call it a rowing simulator than a machine".

The BB-2GD clutch was also specified due to its robust nature that reduces maintenance and prevents contaminants from compromising performance.

King, who has had many years experience of the maintenance problems associated with exercise equipment, explains that: "people consider gyms as relatively clean environments, however the atmosphere in these places is often filled with corrosive sweat, oil and hair, making adequate sealing on transmission components such as bearings and clutches crucial in creating a lasting design".

The BB series is supplied with a long-life lubricant, offering almost unlimited service life in applications such as the WaterRower.

The clutches are designed for convenient press fitting into standard ball bearing housings, (from 35 to 80mm OD) and are manufactured with torque capacities ranging from 29 to 260Nm.

Tsubaki now offers one of the widest ranges of one-way cam clutches available for industrial backstopping and overrunning applications, meeting torque requirements right up the scale to 686kNm.