Spring-Loaded Torque Limiter for Even Friction Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters face issues with uneven contact force distribution due to geometric errors, leading to inconsistent torque limits and uneven wear, particularly when high pressures and asymmetries occur.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter design featuring a central disk with a spring element between the central disk and friction linings, and optionally a plate spring or support disk, which adjusts contact pressure to maintain even loading and compensate for geometric errors, ensuring consistent frictional transmission and reduced axial installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction linings, friction plate and/or disc spring are made fully symmetrical, then contact pressure is evenly distributed, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and geometric errors cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetrical elements (eccentric positioning, angled friction linings, non-uniform spring distribution) to compensate for geometric errors and achieve even contact pressure distribution, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and reliability
2Reliability
If pressure plates and friction plates are angled to compensate for geometric errors, then contact pressure distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by angling friction linings only in specific regions where geometric errors occur, rather than making the entire device complex. This localized approach maintains reliability while minimizing device complexity
3Reliability
If high pressures are applied to ensure frictional engagement, then torque transmission reliability improves, but uneven wear increases due to geometric errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spring elements to provide beforehand cushioning that compensates for geometric errors before they cause uneven wear. This pre-compensation allows high pressures to be applied for reliable torque transmission without the harmful uneven wear that would otherwise occur
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 design achieves a consistent coefficient of friction over long service life, reduces wear, and minimizes axial installation space, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of torque transmission while protecting drive components from torque peaks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (12, 13, 14) which is designed to even out the surface pressure for the frictional transmission of torque
Implementation Method 2
two friction linings (8, 9) arranged axially between the central disc (7) and a respective cover disc (5, 6) for frictionally transmitting a torque
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a torque limiter (1) with a rotational axis (2) for a drive train (4), having at least the following components: two cover discs (5, 6); a central disc (7) which is arranged axially between the cover discs (5, 6); two friction linings (8, 9) which are arranged axially between the central disc (7) and a respective cover disc (5, 6) for the frictionally locking transmission of a torque between the central disc (7) and the respective cover disc (5, 6); a radially outer connector (10) which is connected permanently in a torque-transmitting manner to the cover discs (5, 6); and a radially inner connector (11) which is connected permanently in a torque-transmitting manner to the central disc (7). The torque limiter (1) is, above all, characterized in that a spring element (12, 13, 14) is arranged between the central disc (7) and a respective friction lining (8, 9). In the case of the torque limiter which is proposed here, a highly constanncy of the coefficient of friction over a long service life can be achieved.