I’m a little confused about the proper action of the clutch on the motor module. Two of my four motor clutchs stop turning when the driven item suddenly stops while the other two have clutchs that continue to spin (the entire green cylinder continues to rotate with the motor). What is the proper action and how can I correct the clutchs that are not responding properly?
Thanks.
Each clutch is made up of two main parts. The main body of the clutch, is one part. Inside this body rotates a second part. Both of these parts have a socket in them that will accomodate a Vex shaft.
In the standard (pre-packaged) configuration one of these sockets has a short piece of shaft in it, which then sticks into the Vex motor or servo. The other socket in the clutch is left open, and the user can insert any Vex shaft.
When a clutch “pops” the inside cylinder will slip from the outside cylinder, and as such the two sockets will rotate seperately (or one will remain stationary, while the other rotates).
In the example you described, it is possible that two of your clutches are installed opposite from the other two. That is, the outside cylinder socket is linked to the motor on two of your clutches, while the inside cylinder socket is linked to the motor on your other two clutches.
Both of these configurations will work.
If a clutch is functioning properly, you should hear a popping/clicking sound as significant load is applied.
Are the clutches popping?
Are all 4 clutches in the same orientation? (If no, does reversing them answer your question?)
Other possible issues:
Are the shafts fully inserted into the clutch socket?
Is the clutch socket rounded?
Turns out that two of the “square” holes had been rounded out, allowing the axle to slip. Not sure how the clutch holes became rounded.