Compact Torque Limiter Using Parallel Disc Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters face challenges in size reduction while maintaining sufficient pressing force, as reducing the disc spring diameter compromises its ability to apply an adequate pressing load.
Innovation Solution
The torque limiter design incorporates a configuration where multiple disc springs are stacked in parallel, increasing the pressing load without the need for larger size, and includes a friction-generating unit to enhance torque blocking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the torque limiter is reduced in size, then the installation space requirement is improved, but the disc spring cannot apply a sufficient pressing load
Solution Approach 1:
The single disc spring is segmented into multiple disc springs (first disc spring and second disc spring) that are stacked in parallel. Each disc spring contributes to the total pressing load, allowing the system to maintain sufficient force while reducing the overall size of the torque limiter. The segmentation of the pressing function across multiple smaller components resolves the contradiction between compact size and adequate pressing load.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple disc springs are merged in a stacked parallel configuration between the pressure plate and the second cover plate. This merging of multiple spring elements in parallel allows the system to achieve the required pressing load through combined force contribution while maintaining a compact overall structure, thus resolving the size-force contradiction.
2Length of moving object
If the disc spring diameter is reduced, then the size of the torque limiter is reduced, but the pressing force becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a single large-diameter disc spring, the system segments the spring function into multiple smaller-diameter disc springs stacked in parallel. The first disc spring and second disc spring each have reduced diameters compared to a single equivalent spring, yet their combined pressing force meets the required load, resolving the contradiction between reduced diameter and sufficient pressing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimension approach (one large spring) to a multi-dimensional stacked configuration. By arranging disc springs in parallel layers along the axial direction, the system achieves sufficient pressing force through vertical stacking of multiple smaller springs, effectively moving the solution into another spatial dimension.
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
This configuration allows for a reduction in the size of the torque limiter without compromising the pressing force, effectively addressing the size reduction demand while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the disc springs is disposed between the pressure plate and the second cover plate. The disc springs urge the pressure plate toward the transmission member.
Implementation Method 2
The friction-generating unit is disposed between the first cover plate and the transmission member and/or between the pressure plate and the transmission member.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiter configured to reduce size includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, a transmission member, a pressure plate, a plurality of disc springs, and a friction-generating unit. The second cover plate is disposed away from the first cover plate in an axial direction. The transmission member is disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate. The pressure plate is disposed between the second cover plate and the transmission member. Each of the disc springs is disposed between the pressure plate and the second cover plate. The disc springs each urge the pressure plate toward the transmission member. The disc springs are stacked in parallel. The friction-generating unit is disposed between the first cover plate and the transmission member and/or between the pressure plate and the transmission member.