Torque-Limiting Clutch with Damping Ring for Impact Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch apparatuses, such as ratchet and sprag types, face challenges in managing excessive torque without requiring special heat treatments or increased part thickness, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A clutch apparatus with a torque transmitting mechanism and a restricting mechanism that uses a tolerance ring to prevent excessive torque from being transmitted, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes by eliminating the need for special treatments or increased part thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If special heat treatment (carburizing treatment) is applied to secure strength against impact torque, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping ring that absorbs impact torque before it reaches the outer and inner rings. This beforehand cushioning mechanism protects the rings from excessive stress without requiring them to be manufactured with special heat treatments, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and manufacturing ease.
2Strength
If thickness of outer or inner ring is increased to secure strength against impact torque, then strength is improved, but weight and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damping ring is positioned to intercept impact torque before it reaches the outer and inner rings. This allows the rings to maintain their original thin design without needing increased thickness for strength, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
3Strength
If special processing (shot peening) is applied to outer and inner rings to secure strength, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the damping ring that absorbs impact torque beforehand, the patent eliminates the need for special surface treatments like shot peening on the outer and inner rings. This resolves the contradiction between strength and manufacturing ease by providing protection through a separate component rather than complex surface processing.
4Power
If ratchet type clutch apparatus is used to lock rotation in both directions, then torque transmission capability is improved, but impact noise and durability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The damping ring is strategically positioned to absorb impact torque before it reaches the pawl members and tooth portions in the ratchet mechanism. This beforehand cushioning reduces impact noise and protects the locking components, resolving the contradiction between torque transmission capability and harmful impact effects.
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 effectively releases excessive torque, reducing the necessity for special heat treatments and part thickness enhancements, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining clutch functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a damping ring (4) made of an elastic material and disposed between the inner ring (5) and the input torque transmitting member (2)
Implementation Method 2
capable of absorbing an impact torque that is applied from the input torque transmitting member (2) to the inner ring (5)
Data Source
AI summary
An excessive torque releasing type clutch apparatus comprises an outer ring, an inner ring arranged radially inside and coaxially with the outer ring and rotatably relative to the outer ring, a torque transmitting portion capable of transmitting torque between the outer ring and the inner ring, and a restricting mechanism for restricting excessive torque from being input from an input torque transmitting member to a driving ring of the outer ring and the inner ring and restricting excessive inverse torque that is input to a driven ring of the outer ring and the inner ring from being input to the input torque transmitting member. Treatment steps for securing strength of constituent members of the clutch apparatus in manufacturing be simplified or omitted.