Spring Torque Limiter Assembly for Overload Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiting assemblies fail to effectively manage high torque conditions, leading to potential mechanical damage by either not disconnecting the input and output shafts or not preventing excessive rotation, which can result in equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiting assembly featuring a resilient biasing member that compresses differently in low and high torque modes, allowing the input shaft to rotate relative to the output shaft in high torque conditions, either disconnecting them or engaging a housing to prevent rotation, thereby protecting the system from excessive torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the input shaft is prevented from rotating when torque becomes excessive, then the system is protected from mechanical damage, but the input shaft cannot rotate at all even under normal operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is designed to dynamically shift between engaged and disengaged states based on torque conditions. Under normal torque, the member remains engaged allowing rotation. When excessive torque is detected, the member disengages to prevent damage, then re-engages when torque returns to normal levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors torque as a parameter and uses this information to control the state of the engagement member. When torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, the engagement member is actuated to disengage the input shaft, thereby protecting the system while maintaining operational capability under normal conditions.
2Reliability
If the input shaft is completely disconnected from the output shaft under high torque, then mechanical damage is prevented, but torque transmission is completely lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism provides dynamic torque transmission control. Under normal operating torque, the clutch remains engaged to transmit power from input to output shaft. When excessive torque is detected, the clutch disengages to protect the system, and automatically re-engages when torque returns to acceptable levels, ensuring continuous operational capability.
3Reliability
If a resilient biasing member is used to allow relative rotation between input and output shafts, then protection from excessive torque is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing member serves as an intermediary element between the input and output shafts. It allows controlled relative rotation when excessive torque occurs while maintaining connection during normal operation. The biasing member works in conjunction with the engagement member to provide automatic torque limiting without requiring complex external control systems.
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 assembly effectively switches between low and high torque modes, preventing mechanical damage by disconnecting the input and output shafts or inhibiting rotation when high torque is detected, thus safeguarding the mechanical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient biasing member having a first portion coupled to the input shaft and a second portion coupled with the output shaft. The assembly is configured such that, in a low torque mode, when the input shaft is rotated in a first direction the first resilient biasing member is compressed by a relatively low amount and transmits a force from rotation of the input shaft to drive rotation of the output shaft.
Implementation Method 2
The first resilient biasing member may be selected so as to select the level of torque at which the assembly switches between the low torque mode and the high torque mode. For example, in embodiments where the resilient biasing member is a spring, the level of torque at which the assembly switches between the two modes may be set by selecting a spring with a desired spring stiffness.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiting assembly is disclosed comprising: an input shaft; an output shaft; and spring having a first end coupled to the input shaft and a second end coupled with the output shaft. In a low torque mode, when the input shaft is rotated the spring is compressed by a low amount and transmits a force to drive rotation of the output shaft, whereas in a high torque mode the spring is compressed by a high amount such that the input shaft rotates relative to the output shaft. This relative rotation moves or urges an engagement member so as to either: disconnect the input shaft from the output shaft; or engage a housing to prevent or inhibit rotation of the input shaft relative to the housing.