Flywheel Torque Limiter Structure for High Capacity in Tight Radial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters in flywheels face a challenge in maintaining required torque capacity while preventing an increase in the radial dimension of the device, which degrades the torque fluctuation absorbing performance.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter design that includes a first plate, a second plate, a friction disc, a pressing member, and a third plate with a tubular portion and support portion, where the pressing member is supported by the third plate, allowing the friction disc to slip when excessive torque is applied, thereby preventing torque transmission and avoiding interference with bolt fastening portions, enabling a larger outer diameter for increased torque capacity without increasing the device's radial dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the annular portion is provided with predetermined radial thickness for bolt attaching portions, then the torque limiter can be securely fixed to the flywheel, but the radial dimension of the entire device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third plate's tubular portion is nested within the radial space of the annular portion, with the tubular portion's outer diameter being smaller than the annular portion's inner diameter. This nesting arrangement allows the bolt attaching portions to protrude radially inward through the first openings without interference, enabling secure fixing while maintaining compact radial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt attaching portions are designed to protrude in the radial direction rather than requiring additional radial thickness. The third plate's tubular portion with first openings allows these protrusions to pass through without interference, transforming the fixing structure from a radial thickness requirement to a radial protrusion design that fits within the existing accommodation space.
2Length of moving object
If the torque limiter is reduced in torque capacity to inhibit radial dimension increase, then the device remains compact, but the torque fluctuation absorbing performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular portion of the third plate is nested within the radial clearance between the friction disc's outer peripheral surface and the annular portion's inner peripheral surface. This nesting enables the friction disc to have a larger outer diameter for increased torque capacity without the torque limiter increasing the overall radial dimension, as the tubular portion fits within the existing radial space.
3Device complexity
If the third plate is designed without a tubular portion, then the structure is simpler, but interference occurs between bolt attaching portions and the third plate
Solution Approach 1:
The third plate is segmented into a support portion and a tubular portion. The tubular portion is specifically designed with first openings that allow the bolt attaching portions to pass through without interference. This segmentation resolves the interference issue while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular portion acts as an intermediary structure between the friction disc and the annular portion. It provides a pathway for the bolt attaching portions to pass through without interfering with the friction disc or the third plate's support function, mediating the spatial relationship between these components.
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 design effectively maintains the required torque capacity while inhibiting the radial growth of the flywheel device, enhancing torque fluctuation absorption performance and allowing for a compact power transmission device.
Implementation Method 1
The third plate supports the pressing member together with the second plate therebetween while the pressing member is set in a compressed state
Implementation Method 2
When the torque inputted to the friction disc from the flywheel is excessive in magnitude, the friction disc slips while being interposed and held between the first plate and the second plate
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiter fixed to a flywheel including an annular portion and an accommodation portion is disclosed. The torque limiter includes a first plate, a second plate axially opposed to the first plate, a friction disc disposed between the first and second plates, a pressing member, and a third plate. A torque is inputted to the first plate. The pressing member presses the second plate onto the friction disc. The third plate supports the pressing member with the second plate therebetween while the pressing member is compressed. The third plate includes a support portion supporting the pressing member and a tubular portion provided in an outer peripheral part of the support portion. The tubular portion covers an outer peripheral surface of the friction disc. The tubular portion axially extends and is opposed to an inner peripheral surface of the annular portion of the flywheel, and includes first openings circumferentially aligned.