Limited-Slip Torque-Limiter Coupling for Drive Shaft Over-Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines experience sudden torque spikes that can exceed the maximum operational limits of components coupled to the drive shaft, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A limited-slip coupler mechanism is introduced between the drive shaft and the output shaft, which decouples and recouples based on predetermined torque limits, operating mechanically without electronic controls to prevent over-torque conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical decoupling mechanism is added to prevent torque spikes, then component reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A limited-slip coupler is introduced as an intermediary mechanical device between the drive shaft and output shaft. This coupler includes a drive shaft interface, a limited-slip mechanism with friction surfaces, and an output shaft interface. The limited-slip mechanism acts as a mediator that allows torque transmission under normal conditions but slips when torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby protecting downstream components from torque spikes while maintaining system integrity.
2Measurement precision
If electronic controls are used for torque management, then torque precision is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic torque management systems with a purely mechanical limited-slip coupler. The friction-based limited-slip mechanism automatically responds to torque spikes through mechanical slip when the torque threshold is exceeded, eliminating the time delay associated with electronic sensing, processing, and actuation. This mechanical substitution provides immediate torque protection while maintaining precise control through carefully engineered friction surface characteristics.
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 limited-slip coupler effectively prevents damage to propulsion unit components by automatically managing torque spikes, ensuring safe operation and protecting sensitive components like torquemeters.
Implementation Method 1
The inner contact surface of the second portion may be configured to engage with the outer contact surface of the first portion such that rotation of the second portion drives rotation of the first portion when the transmitted torque is less than the predetermined limit
Implementation Method 2
The limited-slip coupler may be configured such that the inner contact surface the second portion and the outer contact surface of the first portion rotate relative to each other when the transmitted torque exceeds the predetermined limit
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft includes a first propulsion unit, a second propulsion, and a controller configured to increase thrust output in one of the first propulsion unit or the second propulsion unit in response to a detected thrust reduction from the other of the first propulsion unit. Each of the first propulsion unit and the second propulsion unit include a rotor driven by a gas turbine engine with a drive shaft, an output shaft coupled between the drive shaft and the driven rotor and a mechanical coupler for decoupling the output shaft from the drive shaft.