Drain Cleaner Torque Limiter for High-RPM Cable Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drain cleaning systems lack sufficient torque to rapidly remove blockages, requiring slow engagement and inefficient cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A torque limiter mechanism is integrated into the drain cleaning machine to limit excessive torque transfer, allowing for high rotational speeds and improved cleaning efficiency by using a first and second rotatable member with a spherical member and biasing assembly to control torque transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high rotational speeds are used for cleaning attachments, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but torque becomes insufficient to rapidly remove blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidtorque

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a torque limiter mechanism that dynamically controls torque transfer between the motor and cleaning attachment. The mechanism allows the system to operate at high rotational speeds for efficient scraping while automatically limiting torque to prevent cable damage, resolving the contradiction between speed-based cleaning efficiency and torque-based blockage removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If excessive torque is applied to the cleaning cable, then blockage removal capability is improved, but the cable and drum housing suffer increased wear and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetorqueVSAvoidcable and housing durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torque limiter mechanism serves as a protective cushioning device that is pre-installed in the system. It beforehand limits the maximum torque that can be transmitted to the cleaning cable, preventing excessive force from reaching the cable and drum housing, thus protecting these components from wear and damage while still allowing sufficient torque for effective cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effective cleaning by allowing high RPM, low torque applications, reducing wear on the drum housing, and providing ergonomic control, enhancing cleaning efficiency and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing assembly configured to apply a compressive force between the first and second members and thereby enable torque transfer between the first and second members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The at least one spherical member is disposed between the first and second members... enabling torque transfer between the first and second members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12496624B2Torque limiter for powered drain cleaner

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 RIDGE TOOL CO

AI summary

A torque limiter and a retrievable chain knocker tool, each separately configured for use with a drain cleaning apparatus are described. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a drum housing defining an interior region, a cable carrier rotatably mounted within the housing interior region, and a transmission assembly operatively configured for transferring rotary power to an end portion of flexible cable retained in the housing.