Auto-Reset Torque Limiter Assembly for Overload Re-Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current torque limiters face challenges such as requiring lubricants, pneumatic fluids, and external power sources, leading to maintenance issues, wear, and unpredictability in overload conditions, which result in downtime and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter assembly with a pair of ring bearings and disconnect assemblies that automatically disengage and reengage upon torque overload detection, using a torsion spring-operated release lever and compression springs, eliminating the need for external components and allowing for manual reset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid bearing components are used in torque limiters, then structural strength is improved, but wear and damage occur leading to maintenance requirements and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the bearing from rigid metal to semi-pliable material (nylon, pliable polymer, or graphite), fundamentally altering the mechanical properties to eliminate wear while maintaining structural integrity under torque loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material science by selecting semi-pliable materials that combine flexibility with load-bearing capacity, creating a bearing surface that is both durable and wear-resistant under rotational stress
2Device complexity
If manual resetting is required for torque limiters, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to downtime requiring operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the torque limiter to automatically reset through reverse rotation of the drive shaft, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and reducing downtime without significantly increasing device complexity
3Reliability
If delayed re-engagement is implemented in automatic reset torque limiters, then reliability is improved by ensuring full disengagement, but productivity decreases due to extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by utilizing the natural reverse rotation cycle of the drive shaft to trigger automatic re-engagement, ensuring reliable disengagement while minimizing downtime through expedited reset timing aligned with the operational cycle
4Ease of operation
If lubricants and pneumatic fluids are used in torque limiters, then ease of operation is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and reliability decreases due to wear and component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates lubricants and pneumatic fluids from the torque limiter system, replacing them with an intrinsic semi-pliable bearing material that provides self-lubrication and wear resistance, thereby improving long-term reliability without sacrificing operational smoothness
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 solution provides automatic reset capability, reduces wear and maintenance, and ensures rapid re-engagement without external power, enhancing system productivity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring-operated release lever orthogonally positioned to the longitudinal direction of the rotational drive system
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring assembly disposed within the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiter assembly includes a first rotational form mounted to a driving component of rotational dive system the first rotational form adapted to receive a second rotational form mounted to a driven component, the forms rotational over a shared hub, the second form adapted to engage to and be disengaged from the first form by a plurality or disconnect assemblies spaced equally around and mounted through a sidewall of the first rotational form, each disconnect assembly a spring assisted piston and a tensioner adapted to engage a detent in the second rotational form, the disconnect assemblies operable in unison to disengage from the second rotational form from the first rotational form upon detection of breach of a torque load threshold value set for each of the disconnect assemblies.