Szabadonfutók

A szabadonfutó, often translated as freewheel or clutch, is a mechanical device that allows rotation in one direction while permitting free rotation in the opposite direction. It essentially acts as a one-way clutch. The primary mechanism typically involves a series of rollers or sprags housed within a race. When force is applied in the driving direction, these elements engage with the inner and outer races, transmitting torque. However, when the input rotation reverses or stops, the rollers or sprags release their grip, allowing the driven component to rotate freely without affecting the driving mechanism.

Szabadonfutók are used in a wide variety of applications where it's necessary to disconnect a driving component from a driven component under certain conditions. Common examples include bicycle freewheels, which allow a cyclist to stop pedaling while the bicycle continues to move forward. They are also found in automotive applications, such as in alternators where they prevent the alternator's inertia from driving the engine when the engine speed drops. Other uses include industrial machinery, power tools, and various types of transmission systems where overrunning or backstopping functions are required. The design and specific mechanism of a szabadonfutó can vary depending on its intended application and the loads it is expected to handle.