Torque Limiter Friction Lining for One-Sided Slip Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque limiters for drive trains, particularly in hybrid vehicles, require increased assembly and manufacturing effort and costs due to the need for form-fitting or material-to-material fixing of friction linings, which complicates the one-sided fixation of friction linings when the limit torque is exceeded.

Innovation Solution

The torque limiter employs friction linings with different coefficients of friction, composed of multiple materials, allowing predetermined slippage on one friction surface while maintaining engagement with the other, eliminating the need for material or form-fitting connections by using a composite material design and a prestressing spring for fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If form-fitting or material-to-material fixing of friction linings is used to ensure one-sided fixation, then the slip torque control precision is improved, but the assembly and manufacturing effort increases and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslip torque control precisionVSAvoidassembly and manufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the friction lining material by using a composite material with different coefficients of friction on different sides. This allows the material itself to provide the necessary differential friction behavior without requiring additional fixing mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The friction lining is designed as a composite material with a first side having a first coefficient of friction and a second side having a second coefficient of friction. This composite structure inherently provides the one-sided fixation effect through material properties rather than through form-fitting connections, eliminating the need for riveting, profiling, or bonding operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If form-fitting or material-to-material fixing of friction linings is used to ensure one-sided fixation, then the reliability of slip torque control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslip torque control reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the friction parameters of the material itself through composite construction, the patent achieves reliable one-sided fixation without adding complex mechanical structures. The differential friction coefficients are inherent to the material design, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining control reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex, permanent fixing structures with a simpler, replaceable friction lining that achieves its function through material properties. The friction lining can be replaced without affecting the underlying structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 design simplifies installation, reduces costs, and ensures precise control of slip torque without additional assembly efforts, enhancing the operational efficiency of the torque limiter in drive trains.

Implementation Method 1

When the limit torque is exceeded, the at least one friction lining is arranged so that it slides on a first friction surface that is only present on one of the input side and output side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The friction linings have a prestressing spring arranged axially between the output side and the second friction surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3682130B1Torque limiter for a drive train
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3682130B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3682130B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a torque limiter (1) for a drive train (2), at least comprising an axis of rotation (4) extending along an axial direction (3), and a drive side (5) and an output side (6) which are connected in a torque-transmitting manner to one another via at least one friction lining (7, 8) and under a prestress (9) acting in the axial direction (3) at least until a limit torque acting in a peripheral direction (10) is reached; wherein, when the limit torque is exceeded, the at least one friction lining (7, 8) is slidingly arranged on a first friction surface (11) which is on the drive side (5) or on the output side (6), and is frictionally connected to a second friction surface (12) which is on the drive side (5) or on the output side (6), one friction surface being on the drive side and the other being on the output side. The friction lining (7, 8) has, facing the first friction surface (11), a first material (13) having a first friction coefficient, and, facing the second friction surface (12), a second material (14) having a second friction coefficient.