Overtorque Release Drive with Remote Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque-limiting mechanisms in machinery are either difficult to remotely reset after an over-torque condition or lack the ability to adjust the maximum torque delivery, leading to potential damage and high downtime costs, especially in large and complex equipment.
Innovation Solution
A force-limiting coupling system that uses a pressurized fluid actuator to set and reset a threshold force, allowing for remote adjustment and re-engagement of the coupling, featuring a ball detent mechanism with a pressurized fluid chamber to control the release and re-engagement of the force-transmitting member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a shear pin is used as a torque limiting mechanism, then the device is simple to implement and relatively inexpensive, but it requires manual replacement after failure which is time-consuming and costly in large equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting device automatically resets itself after releasing an overload condition. The spring automatically re-engages the balls into the pockets without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to restore normal operation autonomously and eliminate downtime associated with manual replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the torque limiting mechanism after a single use (as with shear pins), the system recovers and reuses the same components repeatedly. The balls are automatically returned to their pockets after each overload event, enabling continuous operation without component replacement.
2Reliability
If a ball detent arrangement is used for torque limiting, then the coupling can release at a prescribed torque level, but it cannot be remotely reset after an overload condition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical resetting process (rotating parts and hammering) is replaced with an automated mechanical system. A cam mechanism automatically positions the balls relative to the pockets during rotation, and spring force automatically re-engages them, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for resetting before it is needed. During normal rotation, the cam mechanism continuously positions the balls in readiness to be captured by the pockets. When overload releases the balls, they are already in the correct position to be quickly re-captured on the next rotation, enabling automatic resetting.
3Reliability
If traditional torque limiters are used, then they can prevent overload damage, but they provide no convenient way to adjust the maximum torque that can be delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting characteristic is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. By varying spring pressure or changing the geometry of the cam mechanism, the torque at which release occurs can be adjusted to match different operational requirements, allowing the same device to protect against different overload thresholds.
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
Enables efficient over-torque protection with remote reset capabilities and adjustable torque settings, reducing downtime and preventing mechanical damage by allowing for seamless operation resumption without manual replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
A detent mechanism configured to release the force-transmitting member to slide along the channel away from the seat when a force applied by the force-transmitting member on the detent mechanism exceeds a threshold force
Data Source
AI summary
A torque-release coupling can be remotely reset after an over-torque condition. A threshold torque may be adjusted while the coupling is running. A pressure of pressurized fluid adjusts a force required to release a detent mechanism that holds a torque transmitting member in engagement across an interface between moving parts.