Interlaced Teeth Torque Meter for Overload Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque meters in rotorcraft drive shafts fail to effectively distribute torque loads, leading to potential yield and rupture issues due to inadequate sharing of load between the torque shaft and witness tube, resulting in inaccurate measurements and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an interlaced teeth torque meter with reinforced teeth roots on both the torque shaft and witness tube, allowing engagement before reaching yield torque, thereby transferring torque load to the witness tube, which supports the load until the teeth fail, and includes a sensor to measure the gap between teeth for accurate torque measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional torque meters are used in rotorcraft drive shafts, then torque measurement is provided, but the torque shaft is prone to yield and rupture due to inadequate load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The torque measurement function is segmented between two independent rotary members: a drive shaft with first elements and a witness tube with second elements. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed between the two members, preventing the drive shaft from bearing the entire torque load and reducing the risk of yield and rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The witness tube acts as an intermediary element that shares the torque load with the drive shaft. When the gap between the first and second elements closes under torque, the witness tube engages and carries a portion of the load, protecting the drive shaft from excessive stress.
2Measurement precision
If the gap between elements is reduced to improve measurement sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but the elements may engage too early and reduce the torque capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes the gap distance parameter between the first and second elements to achieve the desired balance. The gap is set to a specific value that allows sufficient measurement sensitivity while ensuring engagement occurs at the appropriate torque level, maintaining adequate torque capacity.
3Strength
If reinforced teeth roots are added to inhibit overloading, then strength increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement is applied locally at the tooth roots of both the first and second elements, specifically at the locations where stress concentration occurs. This localized reinforcement strengthens the critical areas without requiring strengthening of the entire structure, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 configuration increases the torque capacity of the drive shaft, providing a significant safety margin by distributing torque loads and preventing complete shaft failure, while maintaining accurate torque measurement until the maximum detection limit is reached.
Implementation Method 1
The first rotary member is configured to undergo torsion when a load is applied during rotation. The torsion causes the first set of elements to move closer to the second set of elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a drive shaft apparatus comprising a first rotary member and a second rotary member arranged coaxially with said first rotary member. The rotary members are fixedly connected at a first end so that they rotate together. Each rotary member has a set of elements spaced apart around its circumference at a second end. The elements on the first rotary member are spaced apart from the elements on the second rotary member at rest. The first rotary member undergoes torsion when a load is applied during rotation, which causes the first rotary member elements to move closer to the second rotary member elements. The first elements engage the second elements when a torque load less than a yield torque is applied to the first rotary member, which transfers at least a portion of the torque load to the second rotary member.