Torque Assembly Using One-Way Bearing and Tolerance Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque assemblies face issues due to overload, size complexity, wear-induced torque variations, and performance dependency on temperature and conditions, leading to increased costs and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
The torque assembly incorporates a combination of a first torque member, such as a one-way bearing, and a second torque member, like a tolerance ring or sprag bearing, which allows free rotation in one direction while impeding rotation in the other, utilizing interference fits and frictional differences to manage torque and prevent excessive wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional torque assemblies use simple rotational mechanisms, then the assembly is easier to manufacture and operate, but the assembly experiences wear-induced torque variations and overload issues reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The torque assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: an inner member, an outer member, a first torque member (one-way bearing), and a second torque member (tolerance ring or sprag bearing). Each segment performs a specific function - the one-way bearing allows free rotation in one direction while the tolerance ring provides a controlled slip interface. This segmentation enables the system to handle overload conditions and maintain consistent torque characteristics without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite structural arrangements combining different bearing types (one-way bearing and tolerance ring/sprag bearing) within the same assembly. The one-way bearing provides low-friction rotation in the normal direction, while the tolerance ring or sprag bearing engages during reverse or overload conditions. This composite approach allows the assembly to exhibit different mechanical properties under different operating conditions, improving overall reliability without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If torque assemblies allow free rotation in both directions, then ease of operation is improved, but wear increases and torque consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque assembly employs asymmetric behavior through the combination of a one-way bearing and a tolerance ring or sprag bearing. In the normal rotation direction, the one-way bearing provides low-friction free rotation, ensuring ease of operation. In the reverse or overload direction, the tolerance ring or sprag bearing engages to provide controlled resistance and prevent excessive wear. This asymmetric design allows the system to optimize for ease of operation in the primary direction while maintaining torque consistency and protecting against damage in the reverse direction.
3Reliability
If additional components are added to improve torque control, then torque consistency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance ring serves multiple functions within the assembly: it provides a controlled slip interface during overload conditions, acts as a mechanical stop to prevent excessive reverse rotation, and works in conjunction with the one-way bearing to maintain consistent torque characteristics. The sprag bearing similarly performs multiple functions including one-way locking and overload protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving torque consistency without proportionally increasing manufacturing 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 enhances torque assembly efficiency and stability over its lifetime by minimizing wear and reducing the need for additional components, providing consistent performance across varying conditions with minimal modifications to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first torque member, such as a one-way bearing, and a second torque member, like a tolerance ring or sprag bearing, which allows free rotation in one direction while impeding rotation in the other
Implementation Method 2
utilizing interference fits and frictional differences to manage torque and prevent excessive wear
Data Source
AI summary
A torque assembly including an inner member; an outer member; a first torque member disposed between the inner member and the outer member; and a second torque member disposed radially exterior or interior to the first torque member; where upon rotation in a first circumferential direction, the first torque member is allowed to generally freely rotate and in a second circumferential direction, the first torque member is radially shifted to impede or prevent rotation, and where the second torque member provides a circumferential slip interface between the inner member and the outer member to allow rotation in the second circumferential direction.