Tolerance Ring Torque Assembly With Adjustable Axial Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque assemblies face issues due to overload, size, complexity, and variations in torque over time due to wear or temperature-dependent performance, requiring a solution to adjust and stabilize torque transmission effectively.
Innovation Solution
A torque assembly utilizing a tolerance ring with wave structures and sloped surfaces between inner and outer components, allowing adjustable axial and radial spacing to modify torque transmission, incorporating a locking mechanism and lubrication for stability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional torque assemblies are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but the assembly size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance ring is nested between the inner and outer components, with wave structures integrated into the ring itself. This nesting approach allows the torque adjustment mechanism to be embedded within the existing assembly structure rather than adding separate external mechanisms, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance ring is divided into multiple wave structures around its circumference, with each wave being independently deformable. This segmentation allows localized torque adjustment through individual wave deformation while the entire ring maintains structural integrity, enabling complex torque control functions through simple repetitive elements.
2Power
If torque assembly components are designed for high torque capacity, then power transmission is improved, but the assembly size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wave structures in the tolerance ring change their geometric parameters (amplitude, wavelength, depth) based on the desired torque capacity. By adjusting these parameters, the same basic wave structure design can accommodate different torque requirements without proportionally increasing assembly size, as the waves deform elastically rather than requiring larger structural dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance ring utilizes materials with specific elastic properties that allow high torque capacity through controlled deformation. The material selection enables the ring to withstand high torques while maintaining a compact size, as the material's elastic modulus and yield strength determine the torque capacity independent of the ring's external dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed torque assemblies are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying torque requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance ring transitions from a static fixed-torque component to a dynamic adjustable-torque component. The wave structures can be deformed during assembly or operation to change the torque characteristics, allowing the same manufactured part to adapt to different torque requirements without requiring multiple specialized components for each torque level.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance ring is pre-formed with wave structures during manufacturing, but the final torque setting is established through preliminary adjustment actions during assembly. This allows standard manufacturing processes to produce the basic component, while torque customization is achieved through simple post-manufacturing adjustments rather than complex specialized manufacturing for each torque level.
4Power
If tolerance ring wave structures are compressed radially, then torque is adjusted, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring precise manufacturing of the wave structures at their final operating dimensions, the manufacturing process creates waves with initial parameters that are then adjusted through controlled compression. This separates the manufacturing stage (where tolerances can be more relaxed) from the adjustment stage (where precision is achieved through controlled deformation rather than precise initial fabrication).
Solution Approach 2:
The wave structures are preliminarily formed during manufacturing with generous tolerances, and the precise torque-setting compression is performed as a preliminary adjustment action before final assembly. This preliminary compression action establishes the precise final dimensions after the fact, rather than requiring precise dimensions from the initial manufacturing process.
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
Enables adjustable torque transmission within a range of 1 to 20 N·m, providing enhanced torque stability and protection against overload, while compensating for manufacturing variations and wear, ensuring consistent performance across different conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The wave structures can be compressed in the radial direction when placed between the inner and outer components
Implementation Method 2
In at least one embodiment, at least one of the inner component, outer component, or tolerance ring has a sloped exterior surface in an axial direction
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a locking mechanism and lubrication for stability and precision
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A torque assembly including an outer component, an inner component fitted within the outer component, and a tolerance ring provided between the outer component and the inner component to transmit torque between the inner and outer components, wherein torque transferred between the inner and outer components is adjustable by modifying the axial spacing between the inner component and the outer component.