Mechanical Clutch Design

Here is a link to a variety of clutches: http://www.directindustry.com/industrial-manufacturer/pneumatic-clutch-73146.html

There are other manufacturers as well, and I guess it depends on your location. Pneumatically-actuated clutches are relatively reliable, but not so precise for positioning-if that indeed is critical. If positioning is absolutely critical, a magnetic (or an electromagnetic) clutch can be used in combination with an electromagnetic brake that is triggered by proximity sensors or something similar.

I have used the units manufactured by Nexxen with excellent results. These are "flat" clutches but many of them have serrated faces with a unique feature that allows them to engage in only one (1) position. You did not furnish the rotation speed of the driver to the clutch, and you did not explain the load characteristics. All of this must be known in order to obtain a correct unit. But, have no fear-any of the manufacturers listed on the link will be happy to help.

Regards,

Ing. Robert Forbus

Try a Geneva Wheel Mechanism

If you want to see that kind of clutch in a simple to understand and reliable form, find an old teletypewriter (Bell System) type 33 or 35.

A teletypewriter uses this type of a clutch for timing and power transmition for the parts and sequence of operation that prints each single character. It is easy to open up and hand-crank as slow as you want for seeing its operation.

Warning: It is very simple and very reliable.