Independent Multi-Output Torque Limiting Clutch for Peak Load Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drivetrain systems face challenges in managing peak torque loads beyond design limits, often leading to component failure due to inadequate robustness, especially in applications with varying torque demands or packaging constraints.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiting clutch with a single input member and multiple output members, where each output member can slip independently to manage excessive torque, protecting drivetrain components by allowing selective torque distribution and limiting peak loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drivetrain components are made robust enough to handle extraordinary torque loads, then reliability improves, but weight and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is divided into multiple friction plate stacks (first stack and second stack), each handling torque independently. This segmentation allows the system to protect against torque overloads without requiring the entire drivetrain to be oversized, thus maintaining reliability while controlling weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiting clutch acts as an intermediary device between the engine and drivetrain components. It limits peak torque transmission through friction plates and springs, protecting downstream components from overload without requiring those components to be heavily reinforced, thereby reducing overall system weight.
2Reliability
If drivetrain components are made robust enough to handle extraordinary torque loads, then reliability improves, but packaging space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly uses multiple compact friction plate stacks arranged in series, each contributing to torque limitation. This segmented approach provides comprehensive protection while maintaining a compact overall footprint suitable for constrained packaging spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plates are nested between housing members with springs positioned within the same compact volume. The multi-stack arrangement allows efficient use of space, with each stack contributing to torque limitation without significantly increasing the overall clutch assembly volume.
3Device complexity
If a single torque limiter is used for the entire drivetrain, then device complexity is reduced, but torque management precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting function is segmented into multiple independent friction plate stacks, each capable of limiting torque independently. This provides more precise torque management compared to a single limiter, while still using simple mechanical components that maintain reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each friction plate stack can be designed with specific characteristics (number of plates, spring preload) tailored to specific torque management needs. This allows different parts of the drivetrain to receive appropriately sized torque limits, improving overall torque management precision without requiring a completely complex system.
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 solution effectively prevents drivetrain component damage by allowing independent torque management across multiple output members, enabling the use of smaller, lighter components while maintaining vehicle performance and reducing the risk of overheating or damage from torque spikes.
Implementation Method 1
a first clutch pack including a series of friction plates and springs configured to transfer torque from the input member to a first output member and limit peak torque communicated to the first output member; and a second clutch pack including a series of friction plates and springs configured to transfer torque from the input member to a second output member and limit peak torque communicated to the second output member
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A torque limiting clutch that includes an input member and at least two output members is provided. The input member is configured to receive torque. Each output member is in operational communication with the input member to transfer torque between the input member and each output member. Each output member is configured to slip the operational communication with the input member when a torque above a set torque limit is encountered. Further wherein the slip of the operational communication between the input member and one output member of the at least two output members is independent of the operational communication between the input member and any other output member of the at least two output members.