Dual-Stopper Rotary Coupling for Torque Fluctuation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary devices with stopper mechanisms for inhibiting torque fluctuations risk damage or breakage of elastic protruding members due to excessive torque fluctuations, leading to potential collision sounds and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A rotary device with dual stopper mechanisms, where a first stopper mechanism with an elastic outer peripheral part made of rubber contacts a contact surface to inhibit excessive rotation at a first angle, and a second stopper mechanism with a stiffer metal outer peripheral part contacts a surface at a higher angle to further restrict rotation, thereby reducing the maximum load on the elastic member and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the outer peripheral part of the stop pin is made of elastic material to prevent collision sound, then collision sound is inhibited, but the stop pin is prone to damage or breakage under excessive torque fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is divided into two independent systems: a first stopper mechanism with an elastic stop pin for normal operation, and a second stopper mechanism with a rigid stop pin for excessive torque conditions. Each segment handles specific torque levels, preventing the elastic stop pin from bearing excessive loads that cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The second stopper mechanism is pre-configured to engage before the first stopper mechanism can experience damaging forces. When torque fluctuations exceed the first stopper's capacity, the second stopper with its rigid structure engages first to limit further rotation, preventing the elastic stop pin from undergoing excessive deflection that would lead to damage.
2Device complexity
If a single stopper mechanism is used to restrict relative rotation, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively prevent damage under excessive torque fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is segmented into two independent systems with different structural characteristics. The first stopper mechanism uses an elastic stop pin for normal operational conditions, while the second stopper mechanism uses a rigid stop pin for excessive torque conditions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the structural parameter of the stop pin from elastic to rigid depending on the torque condition. The first stopper mechanism employs an elastic stop pin that can deflect under normal torque fluctuations, while the second stopper mechanism employs a rigid stop pin that maintains its shape under excessive torque, providing appropriate protection for each operational regime.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic stop pin deflects largely under excessive torque, then it allows relative rotation beyond the first angle, but this increases the risk of damage or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The second stopper mechanism with its rigid stop pin serves as a pre-positioned protective barrier. When torque fluctuations become excessive, the second stopper mechanism engages to limit the torsion angle before the first stopper mechanism's elastic stop pin can undergo damaging deflection. This beforehand protection prevents the elastic material from experiencing forces that would cause damage or breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The second stopper mechanism acts as an intermediary protective element between the torque transmission path and the first stopper mechanism. It mediates by engaging first under excessive torque conditions, limiting the maximum torsion angle, and thereby protecting the elastic stop pin of the first stopper mechanism from experiencing damaging deflection forces.
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 dual stopper mechanism configuration effectively inhibits excessive rotation and reduces the risk of damage or breakage of the elastic protruding member, while minimizing collision sounds and maintaining operational stability across varying torque fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
the outer peripheral part of the first protruding member is made of an elastic material... the outer peripheral part of the first protruding member makes contact with the first contact surface and is elastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
The cam mechanisms apply variable torsional stiffiness between the hub flange and the inertia ring
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary device includes two rotatable rotors and two stopper mechanisms. The first and second stopper mechanisms restrict relative rotation between the rotors. The first stopper mechanism includes a first protruding member and a first contact surface. The first protruding member includes an elastic outer peripheral part. The first contact surface is disposed at an interval from the first protruding member. The first protruding member contacts the first contact surface when a torsion angle between the rotors reaches a first angle. The second stopper mechanism includes a second protruding member and a second contact surface. The second protruding member includes an outer peripheral part having higher stifffiess than that of the first protruding member. The second contact surface is disposed at an interval from the second protruding member. The second protruding member contacts the second contact surface when the torsion angle reaches a second angle greater than the first angle.