Taper-Ring Overload Clutch for Precise Torque Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque transmission systems face challenges in accurately setting the torque interruption level, are costly to manufacture, and cannot sustain continuous operation after torque overload, limiting torque transmission capacity and precision.
Innovation Solution
A simple-structured overload protection device using inner and outer rings with taper surfaces and a torque adjustment mechanism, allowing for precise torque control and continuous operation by minimizing static friction and enabling large torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If friction-type clutch discs are used to transmit torque, then torque transmission is achieved, but the torque at which slipping occurs changes largely depending on tightening force differences, making it hard to accurately set the interruption torque
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch disc is segmented into multiple friction surfaces (inner friction surface and outer friction surface) that contact with corresponding surfaces on the pressure plate. This segmentation distributes the torque transmission across multiple contact points, reducing the sensitivity to tightening force variations at any single point and improving torque setting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different friction surfaces are provided with different local characteristics - the inner friction surface and outer friction surface have different contact areas and pressure distributions. This local quality differentiation allows for optimized torque transmission at each contact zone, improving overall torque setting precision and reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If complex shapes are used for inner and outer rotating members to achieve smaller device size, then compactness is improved, but machining costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is divided into separable components - the clutch disc with friction surfaces can be manufactured independently from the pressure plate and rotating members. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective machining processes while maintaining compact overall device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction surfaces on the clutch disc serve multiple functions: torque transmission during normal operation and torque interruption during overload conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate overload protection mechanisms, reducing device complexity and machining costs while maintaining compact size.
3Device complexity
If torque is transmitted at one point on the circumference, then the structure is simple, but the transmitted torque can be increased only to a limited extent
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission is segmented across multiple contact points - the inner friction surface contacts the pressure plate at one circumference, and the outer friction surface contacts at another circumference. This segmentation multiplies the effective torque transmission capacity without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Torque transmission is extended from a single-point contact to multi-surface contact by utilizing both inner and outer friction surfaces of the clutch disc. This dimensional expansion from one contact location to multiple contact locations significantly increases transmitted torque capacity while maintaining relatively simple structure.
4Volume of moving object
If a resilient member is set in a small space to apply pressing force with short stroke, then compactness is improved, but setting accuracy of permissible torque deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force application is segmented into multiple contact surfaces (inner friction surface and outer friction surface) rather than relying on a single resilient member with short stroke. This segmentation distributes the force application across multiple points, improving torque setting accuracy while maintaining compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction surfaces act as intermediaries between the pressing force and torque transmission. By utilizing the friction characteristics of multiple contact surfaces, the system achieves accurate torque setting without requiring a resilient member with long stroke, thus maintaining compact dimensions while improving precision.
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 device reduces manufacturing costs, enhances torque setting accuracy, and allows continuous operation after torque overload, minimizing damage and noise while maintaining torque within permissible limits.
Implementation Method 1
the first taper surface and the second taper surface contacting each other. The inner ring and the outer ring are configured to be inserted between the inner rotating member and the outer rotating member, with the first taper surface and the second taper surface contacting each other. The torque adjustment mechanism is configured to press the inner ring and the outer ring to come closer to each other in an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
an inner transmission surface in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the inner rotating member, and a first taper surface on a radially outer side, and the outer ring includes an outer transmission surface in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the outer rotating member
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a simple-structured overload protection device. The overload protection device allows torque transmission between an inner rotating member and an outer rotating member that are coaxial and rotatable relative to each other, and is able to interrupt the transmission of torque exceeding a permissible level. The overload protection device includes an inner ring having an inner transmission surface in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the inner rotating member, and a first taper surface, and an outer ring having an outer transmission surface in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the outer rotating member, and a second taper surface that makes contact with the first taper surface of the inner ring. The overload protection device is configured to be able to press the inner ring and the outer ring to come closer to each other in an axial direction.