Roller Positive Clutch With Radial Torque Limiting Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutches with torque limiters face issues such as reliance on friction coefficients for torque control, durability problems due to wear, high torque requirements, large size, increased components, and high production costs, particularly in vehicle power transmission applications.
Innovation Solution
A positive clutch design featuring an inner and outer race with rollers between them, using a resilient, annular torque limiting member that applies a radial load to the rollers, allowing for high torque handling with a simple structure and reduced size, and customizable torque limit load through resilience and friction settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frictional torque limiters use a friction plate, then torque limitation function is achieved, but durability deteriorates due to wear and torque control becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based torque limitation mechanism with a mechanical ball-race mechanism. Balls are pressed between the inner and outer races by biasing means (coil springs), creating a mechanical interlocking system that limits torque through ball displacement rather than friction. This substitution eliminates the wear issues inherent in friction plates while maintaining the torque limitation function.
2Reliability
If mechanical torque limiters use biasing means like plate springs, then torque limitation is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the biasing function and the torque limitation function into a single integrated ball-race mechanism. The coil springs are positioned to directly press the balls between the races, merging the biasing means and the torque limiting elements into one compact assembly. This reduces the number of separate components compared to traditional plate spring mechanisms while maintaining the torque limitation capability.
3Reliability
If frictional torque limiters are used, then torque control is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to friction coefficient variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based torque control mechanism with a mechanical ball-race system where torque limitation is determined by the mechanical interaction between balls and races. This substitution eliminates the need to control friction coefficients, as the torque limitation is now governed by the mechanical geometry and spring forces, which are more easily controlled during manufacturing.
4Reliability
If plate springs are used for torque limitation, then torque control is achieved, but the clutch size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biasing springs and torque limiting balls into a compact integrated mechanism where the springs are positioned to act directly on the balls within the race assembly. This consolidation creates a more space-efficient design compared to traditional plate spring mechanisms, reducing the overall clutch size while maintaining the torque limitation function.
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 clutch achieves high durability, stability, and cost-effectiveness by reducing wear, simplifying structure, and enabling compact design while handling high torque, with optional selectable operating modes.
Implementation Method 1
a torque limiting member that applies a radial load on the rollers to press the rollers against the roller support parts, the torque limiting member being coaxial with the inner race and the outer race, and being flat and annular in an axial direction, and moreover being resiliently deformable in a radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of rollers are disposed between an inner race and an outer race that are coaxial and relatively rotatable. The inner race and outer race are configured to engage with each other via part or all of the plurality of rollers that are held in a circumferential direction between roller support parts and pocket parts, the roller support parts being formed on one of an outer circumferential surface of the inner race and an inner circumferential surface of the outer race, and the pocket parts being formed on the other. A torque limiting member that applies a radial load on the rollers to press the rollers against the roller support parts is provided coaxially with the inner race and the outer race. The torque limiting member is flat and annular in an axial direction and resiliently deformable in a radial direction.