Aircraft Coupling Ball Ramp for Automatic Torque Re-Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling arrangements for driving devices in aircraft, such as airplanes, permanently separate the input and output when excessive torque is detected, leading to system blockage and requiring manual intervention to restore operation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling arrangement that periodically decouples and recouples the input and output based on torque threshold values, using a ball ramp mechanism to manage torque transmission, preventing output movement and damage by intermittently disconnecting and reconnecting torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical protection systems (torque limiters, shear pins) are used to prevent excessive torque, then torque transmission is protected, but the input and output become permanently separated requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement employs a dynamic ball ramp mechanism that automatically adjusts the coupling state between input and output based on real-time torque conditions. The ball can move along the ramp to either engage or disengage torque transmission, creating a dynamic protection system that responds to torque variations without permanent separation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the excess torque itself as the actuating force to move the ball along the ramp and disengage the coupling. When torque exceeds the threshold, the ball is automatically pushed to the disengaged position, and when torque decreases, the ball returns to engage, enabling self-service protection without external intervention
2Reliability
If electronic protection systems are used to detect and switch off the drive, then torque transmission is controlled, but the drive remains blocked requiring manual reset
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement maintains continuous torque transmission capability through automatic engagement and disengagement cycles. The ball ramp mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor torque conditions and adjust coupling state in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted operation when conditions permit and automatic protection when conditions exceed thresholds
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical ball ramp system provides inherent feedback through its position - when torque exceeds the threshold, the ball moves to indicate disengagement, and when torque returns to normal, the ball automatically returns to indicate re-engagement. This mechanical feedback loop eliminates the need for electronic sensors and manual reset procedures
3Reliability
If the output is permanently separated upon torque threshold exceedance, then damage is prevented, but the output cannot be automatically restored to operational position
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement employs periodic engagement and disengagement cycles through the ball ramp mechanism. The ball oscillates between engaged and disengaged positions based on torque fluctuations, creating a periodic action that prevents damage during high torque events while automatically restoring torque transmission when conditions improve, thereby maintaining productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automatic restoration of torque transmission when the output is no longer jammed, preventing damage and ensuring the output remains in position, while avoiding permanent separation and manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the torque transmission means are arranged such that in a first operating condition upon exceedance of a torque threshold value the input is periodically separated from and connected with the output
Implementation Method 2
the coupling arrangement comprises an input, an output and a coupling, wherein the coupling is non-rotatably connected with the input or with the output for torque transmission
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling arrangement for a driving device, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises an input, an output and a coupling, wherein the coupling is non-rotatably connected with the input or with the output, wherein the coupling furthermore comprises torque transmission means which in the coupled condition are configured to connect the output with the input for transmitting a torque from the input to the output, wherein upon exceedance of a torque threshold value in a first operating condition the torque transmission means are arranged such that the input is periodically separated from and connected with the output, and that when the torque threshold value is not reached in a second operating condition, the torque transmission means are arranged such that the input is permanently connected with the output for transmitting a torque.