The Sonnax mechanical diode GM-MD-9-3 with three-strut engagement, nine-strut design offers much greater strength than existing roller clutches and “dog bone” style sprags. This design offers greatly increased reliability, especially where high torque, vibration or high overrunning speeds decrease the effectiveness of wedging-type, one-way clutches.

Positive engagement is achieved when the angled struts are automatically forced into a fully engaged position, eliminating torsional windup, minimizing engagement impact and prolonging component life. The design transfers force in a more direct fashion through planar strut arrangement and a shallow engagement angle, resulting in relatively small radial forces when compared to friction-actuated, one-way clutches.

Similar diodes include, GM-MD-3, a one-strut engagement, five-strut design, and GM-MD-10S, a two-strut engagement, 10-strut design.

• Three-strut engagement, nine-strut design
• Greater strength with weight and size reduction over friction-actuated, one-way clutches
• Dramatic reduction in radial stress over friction actuated, one-way clutches
• No torsional windup
• Long overrun life