Frustoconical Torque Limiter for High-Torque Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters are complex, expensive, and have relatively low transmission force limits for given dimensions, necessitating a need for a simpler and more efficient design capable of transmitting high torque.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter with frustoconical inner and outer limiting retention elements that transition between engaged and release configurations, using locking and limiting means to maintain or release torque based on predefined limits, allowing for adjustable torque transmission with minimal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional torque limiters use multiple moving parts such as pistons, balls, and springs, then the torque limiting function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple torque limiting mechanisms into a single integrated structure where the frustoconical inner and outer retention elements work together as one unit. The inner retention element with frustoconical outer surface and the outer retention element with complementary frustoconical inner surface are designed to function as a unified torque limiting system, eliminating the need for separate pistons, balls, and springs while maintaining the torque limiting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustoconical retention elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide torque transmission through their engaged configuration, enable torque limiting through their yielding configuration, and incorporate locking functionality through the complementary frustoconical surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If conventional torque limiters use complex mechanisms with multiple components, then torque limiting is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the torque limiting and locking functions into a single integrated structure with frustoconical retention elements, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This integration directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliable torque limiting function.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional torque limiters are designed with standard dimensions, then manufacturing is easier, but the transmission force limit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs frustoconical surfaces with specific opening angles as a key geometric parameter to enhance the mechanical advantage and force transmission capability. By optimizing the cone angle and other dimensional parameters of the retention elements, the design achieves higher transmission force limits while maintaining manufacturability through well-defined geometric parameters.
4Device complexity
If the torque limiter uses simple retention means, then the device complexity is reduced, but the torque transmission capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses frustoconical surfaces (curved surfaces) instead of flat or cylindrical retention surfaces. The complementary frustoconical geometry of the inner and outer retention elements creates optimal contact surfaces that distribute loads effectively and provide superior mechanical interlocking, thereby enhancing torque transmission capability while maintaining relatively simple retention means.
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 achieves a simple, cost-effective torque limiter that can transmit high torque while allowing for adjustable torque limits, preventing damage by releasing when exceeded, and facilitating easy re-engagement.
Implementation Method 1
the inner limiting retention element is clamped in the outer limiting retention element
Implementation Method 2
the inner and outer limiting retention elements having a retention configuration, in which the inner limiting retention element is clamped in the outer limiting retention element
Data Source
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AI summary
This torque limiter (14) comprises a first body (18) and a second body (20) extending around a central axis (XX). The first body carries a first limiting gear (28), and the second body carries a second limiting gear (36). The first and second limiting gears define an engaged configuration and a release configuration. The torque limiter includes limiting retention means (44) that maintain the first and second limiting gears (28, 36) in their engaged configuration when the rotational torque is less than a limiting transmission torque and release them when the rotational torque exceeds the limiting transmission torque. The limiting retention means include an inner limiting retention element (50) having an outer contact surface (56), and an outer limiting retention element (52) having an inner contact surface (58) complementary to the outer contact surface.The inner (50) and outer (52) limiting retaining elements having a retaining configuration, in which the inner limiting retaining element is clamped into the outer limiting retaining element, and a yielding configuration in which the inner limiting retaining element (50) is loosened from the outer limiting retaining element (52).