Torque Limiter Mechanism for Lampholder Socket Over-Torque Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Screw-type lampholder sockets are prone to over-torquing when large electrical appliances are inserted and snugly tightened, leading to potential damage and hazardous electrical fires.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter mechanism is integrated into the screw base, which couples the housing to the screw base for rotation at lower torque levels and decouples when the torque exceeds a predetermined magnitude, preventing excessive tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large electrical appliances are inserted and snugly tightened in screw-type lampholder sockets, then the electrical connection is secure, but the socket is subjected to over-torquing that may cause damage and electrical fires
Solution Approach 1:
A torque limiter mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the appliance housing and the screw base. This mechanism includes a torque limiter body with a first interface to the housing and a second interface to the screw base, allowing it to mediate the torque transmission and prevent over-torquing while maintaining secure electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter is designed to change its mechanical state based on torque magnitude. When torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, the torque limiter transitions from a coupled state (transmitting torque) to a decoupled state (limiting torque), thereby changing the parameter of torque transmission from unlimited to limited.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the screw base is tightly secured to ensure stable operation, then the electrical appliance operates reliably, but the lampholder socket may be damaged due to excessive torque
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter acts as a protective intermediary that decouples the housing from the screw base when excessive torque is applied. This prevents the full force of tightening from being transmitted to the socket, thereby protecting socket structural integrity while still allowing sufficient torque for stable appliance operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter is pre-configured with a predetermined torque threshold that acts as a cushioning limit. Before damage can occur to the socket, the torque limiter engages its limiting function, absorbing or redirecting excess torque forces and preventing them from reaching the socket.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard mounting brackets and enclosure boxes are used to support electrical appliances, then installation is straightforward, but they cannot withstand the torque from large appliances without damaging the socket
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical coupling between the housing and screw base, limits torque to protect the socket, and maintains electrical connection stability. This universal component can be used with standard mounting brackets and enclosure boxes without requiring specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter combines the functions of mechanical support, torque limitation, and electrical connection maintenance into one integrated mechanism. By merging these functions, the system can use simple standard mounting brackets and enclosure boxes while still providing robust socket protection against torque from large appliances.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical appliance for a lampholder socket having a socket axis of rotation has a housing rotatable by an application of an applied torque thereto. A screw base is configured to be inserted in the lampholder socket and threadedly connected to the lampholder socket upon a rotation of the screw base in a first direction about the socket axis of rotation. A torque limiter is fixedly attached to the screw base for rotation therewith. The torque limiter couples the housing to the screw base for rotation therewith when the applied torque is less than a predetermined magnitude and couples the housing to the screw base for rotation relative thereto when the applied torque is greater than the predetermined magnitude. An electrical device is mounted in the housing and electrically connected to the screw base.