TBM Torque Limiting Clutch With Rubber Damping for Torque Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing torque limiting clutches in Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) experience frequent disengagement due to rigid structures, leading to inefficiencies in torque transmission, especially in varied strata like sandy soft rock where torque pulses are frequent and large, causing overload clutch disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damping TBM torque limiting clutch is introduced, featuring a high-vibration damping rubber ring with specific damping properties, integrated into the traditional rigid torque transmission system to absorb and filter torque pulses, reducing the rate of overload clutch disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rigid torque transmission structure is used, then the torque transmission is direct and efficient, but the clutch disengages frequently under torque pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the transmission system by introducing a viscous fluid damper. This damper modifies the torque transmission characteristics by providing velocity-proportional damping, which filters high-frequency torque pulses while allowing steady-state torque transmission. The parameter change from rigid to viscously damped transmission resolves the contradiction between transmission efficiency and engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscous fluid damper acts as an intermediary element between the driving and driven components. It mediates the torque transmission by absorbing and dissipating torque pulses through fluid viscosity, preventing direct transmission of harmful impulses to the clutch while maintaining continuous power flow. This intermediary function protects the clutch from frequent disengagement caused by torque variations.
2Strength
If an overload protection clutch is added, then the equipment is protected from damage, but the clutch disengages frequently under normal torque pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The viscous fluid damper changes the dynamic response characteristics of the torque transmission system. By introducing viscous damping, the system filters out transient torque pulses that would otherwise trigger clutch disengagement. The damper allows the clutch to remain engaged during normal operational torque variations while still providing protection against genuine overloads, thus maintaining productivity while preserving equipment protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscous fluid damper provides beforehand cushioning by continuously dampening torque fluctuations before they reach the clutch. This prior cushioning effect prevents torque pulses from building up to levels that would trigger clutch disengagement, ensuring smooth operation during normal TBM working conditions while maintaining the clutch's overload protection capability.
3Device complexity
If a purely rigid structure is used, then the structure is simple, but torque pulses cause frequent clutch disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the structural parameter from rigid to viscously damped by incorporating a fluid damper. This parameter change adds damping characteristics to the structure without significantly increasing complexity. The viscous fluid provides passive damping that automatically adapts to torque variations, improving clutch engagement stability while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscous fluid damper introduces flexible damping characteristics to the otherwise rigid structure. The fluid acts as a flexible element that deforms under torque pulses, absorbing energy and reducing peak loads. This flexibility in the form of viscous damping prevents the rigid structure from transmitting harmful torque impulses to the clutch, improving engagement stability without requiring complex flexible mechanical components.
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 solution significantly reduces the overload disengagement rate by shielding instantaneous torque pulses, enhancing the stability and efficiency of torque transmission in TBMs.
Implementation Method 1
a high-vibration damping rubber ring with specific damping properties, integrated into the traditional rigid torque transmission system to absorb and filter torque pulses
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a vibration damping TBM torque limiting clutch, including a driving end and a driven end which are axially sleeved. A fixed torque fastener is arranged between the driving end and the driven end; an inner spline hole of the driving end is axially sleeved to a motor hollow spline shaft; the tail part of the driven end is axially connected with a high-vibration damping rubber ring; and the rubber ring is wrapped outside of an inner spline hub; the rubber ring and the inner spline hub are fixed by a fastener; a reducer spline shaft is inserted into the inner spline hub after penetrating through the motor hollow spline shaft, and then is connected to the spline of the inner spline hub. The design mainly reduces the overload disengaged rate to an extremely large extent by means of shielding instantaneous torque pulses, and well resolve the defects in the existing technology.