What is it?

The Compact Magnetic Clutch Breakout Board revolutionizes the way mechanical systems are controlled, providing a direct means to engage or disengage power transmission without physical contact. Specifically designed for robotics, automation, and DIY enthusiasts, this board allows users to precisely manage how and when power is transferred from a motor to various mechanical components, such as gears or actuators, with exceptional accuracy. It's an essential tool for projects that require the fine-tuned operation of moving parts, enabling seamless transitions and adjustments in mechanical output.

Understanding Magnetic Clutches:

A magnetic clutch is an advanced device that harnesses the power of magnetic forces to connect or separate mechanical elements without any physical touch. It functions based on the principles of electromagnetic force.

It consists of two main parts:

• The Rotor: This is the input side, depicted as the ring with gear teeth for rotation. It is designed to be attached to a driving power source, such as a motor.

• The Armature: Representing the output side, this component is illustrated as the inner ring that rotates. It's meant to link with the output shaft or any driven mechanism, such as additional gears or wheels.

How It Works:

• Engagement: When the LCK (Lock) pin of the breakout board is HIGH, an electric current is applied to the electromagnetic coil within the clutch thus generating a magnetic field. This magnetic field causes the armature to be attracted to the rotor, creating a strong magnetic bond that effectively locks the input and output sides together. (See demo video above). As a result, the rotational motion from the motor (input) is transmitted to the driven component (output), allowing for precise control of mechanical systems.

• Disengagement: When the LCK (Lock) pin of the breakout board is LOW, it disengages the clutch by removing the magnetic field, causing the armature to release from the rotor. Consequently, the output side can either stop moving or continue to move freely, independent of the input side, depending on the system's design and the forces acting on it.

Engaging and disengaging the magnetic field allows the system to rapidly respond to control inputs without the wear and tear associated with mechanical engagement methods. The design enables efficient power transmission, reduces mechanical complexity, and enhances the durability of the system by minimizing physical contact and consequently the wear.

The breakout board is very easy to use and has only three pins:

• VIN: 5V. The onboard step up regulator can take this 5V and step it up to 24V required to drive the clutch.
• LCK: When this Lock pin a HIGH, the clutch engages. When the Lock pin is LOW, the clutch disengages.
• GND

If the default Rotor and Armature specifications, like its size or tooth count, don't meet your needs, you have the option to customize it. You can disassemble the unit and create your own version using a 3D printer, tailored to your requirements. Refer to the above image for a view of the disassembled parts.

Potential Use Cases

• Variable Load Control in Machinery: In machines where different parts must operate at varying speeds or require engagement/disengagement without stopping the main motor, magnetic clutches allow for smooth transitions.

• Safety Mechanisms in Automated Systems: For systems that must quickly disengage for safety without shutting down the entire operation, such as in automated robotic arms or conveyors, magnetic clutches can instantly disconnect the load from the power source, preventing harm or damage while allowing the system to remain powered and ready for immediate resume.

• Custom RC Vehicles: For hobbyists building remote-controlled vehicles, the board can be used to control the engagement of different gears or to activate/deactivate propulsion systems, allowing for more complex control schemes and performance characteristics.

• Tension Control in Winding/Unwinding Systems: In applications such as film winding, textile machines, or cable manufacturing, magnetic clutches provide precise tension control by engaging or disengaging to accommodate varying material speeds or tensions, ensuring consistent product quality without stopping the motor.

• Selective Operation of Multiple Devices: In systems where a single motor drives multiple devices or tools, but only one should be operational at a time, magnetic clutches can selectively engage the desired device while keeping others disengaged, optimizing efficiency and flexibility without interrupting motor operation.

• Effective Breaking Systems: In this configuration, the magnetic clutch's rotor is fixed and does not rotate. When the clutch is disengaged, the output shaft (connected to the armature) can rotate freely, allowing the attached machinery or components to operate as intended. To stop the motion, the clutch is engaged, causing the armature to lock against the stationary rotor. This sudden engagement halts the motion of the output shaft, effectively acting as a brake.

Looking to pair this Magnetic Clutch with some beefy stepper motors? Check out our Dual 24V Stepper Motors + A3988 Stepper Driver