Asymmetric Torque Limiter With Skewed Rollers for Flight Control Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters do not effectively address the need for a passive, mechanical, and asymmetric torque limiter that provides different torque limits in clockwise and anticlockwise directions, particularly for aircraft flight control surfaces, and there is a desire for a compact and lightweight solution.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric torque limiter comprising a first annular friction disk, a second annular friction disk, a skewed roller disk, and resilient members that allow for different torque thresholds in each direction by using Belleville springs and skewed rollers to manage torque transmission based on direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic torque control is used, then torque can be limited in each direction, but dependence on electronic controls increases and risk of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic torque control systems with a purely mechanical asymmetric torque limiter. The device uses friction disks, resilient members (springs), and skewed rollers to passively limit torque in different directions without any electronic components, sensors, or actuators. This mechanical substitution eliminates dependence on electronic controls while maintaining reliable torque limitation functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric torque limitation is implemented, then different torque limits are achieved in each direction, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetric torque limitation by introducing asymmetric elements into the torque limiter mechanism. Specifically, skewed rollers with axes at an angle to the radial direction, combined with friction disks and resilient members, create different torque thresholds for clockwise and anticlockwise rotation. This asymmetric configuration allows the device to provide different torque limits in each direction while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
3Reliability
If passive mechanical torque limiter is used, then electronic failure risk is reduced, but torque control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a passive mechanical torque limiter that automatically limits torque based on the applied load direction and magnitude, without requiring external control systems. The friction disks, resilient members, and skewed rollers work together to self-regulate torque transmission, providing reliable protection against mechanical overload while maintaining adequate torque control precision for flight control surface actuation.
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
The asymmetric torque limiter provides a passive means to limit torque differently in each direction, ensuring higher torque transmission in one direction than the other, thereby protecting flight control surfaces from mechanical overload.
Implementation Method 1
The first resilient member is attached to the first annular friction disk and is configured to bias the first annular friction disk toward an input shaft. The second resilient member is configured to bias the skewed roller disk toward the second annular friction disk.
Implementation Method 2
The first resilient member includes a Belleville spring. The second resilient member includes a Belleville spring.
Implementation Method 3
The skewed roller disk is in contact with the second annular friction disk. The plurality of skewed rollers are each rotatable about a respective roller axis, each roller axis being skewed with respect to a radial direction passing through the skewed roller from the axis of rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
An asymmetric torque limiter having an axis of rotation including a first annular friction disk, a second annular friction disk a skewed roller disk a first resilient member and a second resilient member. The second annular friction disk is concentrically arranged with the first annular friction disk. The skewed roller disk is in contact with the second annular friction disk. The skewed roller disk includes a plurality of skewed rollers mounted in an annular retainer. The plurality of skewed rollers are about a respective roller axis, each roller axis being skewed to a radial direction passing through the skewed roller from the axis of rotation. The first resilient member is attached to the first annular friction disk and is configured to bias the first annular friction disk toward an input shaft. The second resilient member is configured to bias the skewed roller disk toward the second annular friction disk.