Extruder Drive Torque Sensing for Electronic Overload Protection

The patent replaces mechanical overload clutches with an electronic control system that uses torque sensors and a control device to monitor and limit torque. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that require maintenance while providing more reliable electronic detection of overload conditions through direct torque measurement and control signal intervention.

The patent replaces heavy pneumatic overload clutches with a lightweight electronic control system consisting of torque sensors and electronic control devices. This substitution dramatically reduces system weight while maintaining reliable overload protection through electronic torque monitoring and control signal intervention, eliminating the need for heavy pneumatic actuation mechanisms.

The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring torque before overload damage occurs and preemptively reducing motor torque when threshold values are approached. The control device intervenes in the motor control system to prevent overload conditions, avoiding the need for shutdown and clutch re-engagement, thus eliminating production downtime associated with conventional clutch systems.

The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring torque with sensors and comparing the measured values against threshold values in the control device. When torque approaches dangerous levels, the control device receives feedback and automatically reduces motor torque through intervention in the motor control system, preventing consequential damage to the motor, gearbox, and extruder screws while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.