Sensorized Torque Transmission Ring for Compact Overload Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque transmission components are not compact enough and lack precise torque measurement capabilities, while also being susceptible to damage from overload.

Innovation Solution

A torque transmission component with connecting webs that are predominantly subjected to tensile or compressive loads, featuring deformation measuring sensors like strain gauges to measure forces, and an elastic compensation mechanism to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a torque transmission component uses radially aligned bending webs, then it can transmit torque, but the component becomes larger and less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent sizeVSAvoidtorque transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The torque transmission component is segmented into multiple discrete connecting webs arranged circumferentially around the axis. Each web is a separate structural element that contributes to the overall torque capacity, allowing the component to achieve high strength-to-volume ratio through distributed load bearing across multiple segments rather than requiring a single large radial structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from radially aligned webs to circumferentially arranged webs, changing the spatial dimension of force transmission. By orienting webs in the circumferential direction rather than radially, the component achieves more efficient space utilization and compactness while maintaining torque transmission capability through the circumferential force path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If deformation measuring sensors are added to the torque transmission component, then precise torque measurement is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation measuring sensors are merged directly into the connecting webs structure. The sensors are integrated as part of the web assembly, allowing torque measurement functionality to be combined with the structural torque transmission function. This integration approach enables precise measurement while minimizing additional complexity by using the existing web structure as the measurement platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting webs serve dual functions: they transmit torque structurally and simultaneously serve as the mounting platform for deformation measurement. The webs' own deformation under load provides the measurement signal, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the connecting webs are designed to be elastically deformable, then overload protection is provided, but the component may deform under normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverload protection capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting webs are pre-designed with elastic deformability to provide beforehand cushioning against overload conditions. By incorporating controlled elastic compliance into the web structure, the component can absorb excess energy during overload events through elastic deformation, protecting the transmission system from damage while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation within the elastic range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The material and geometric parameters of the connecting webs are optimized to achieve the desired balance between stability and overload protection. By carefully selecting web dimensions, material properties, and cross-sectional characteristics, the component maintains sufficient rigidity for normal torque transmission while retaining enough elastic compliance to provide overload protection through controlled deformation under extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 component is compact, capable of transmitting high torques, and protects against overload through elastic deformation, enabling precise torque measurement and reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting webs are designed to be elastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one deformation measuring sensor, in particular a strain gauge, is fastened to at least one of the connecting webs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4621255A1Torque transmission component for a transmission
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 OVALO
  • EP4621255A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4621255A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4621255A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a torque transmission component for a transmission, for the torque-transmitting connection of a first transmission component element of the transmission to a second transmission component element of the transmission, wherein the torque transmission component is ring-shaped or ring-segment-shaped and has a plurality of fastening blocks arranged in the circumferential direction and spaced from one another, and wherein immediately adjacent fastening blocks are connected to one another by means of a connecting web. The torque transmission component is characterized in that at least one deformation measuring sensor, in particular a strain gauge, is attached to at least one of the connecting webs (5).