Torque Assembly With One-Way Bearing and Slip Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque assemblies face issues due to overload, size complexity, torque variation over time due to wear, and performance dependency on temperature, leading to increased costs and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A torque assembly design incorporating a combination of a one-way bearing and a tolerance ring, where the bearing allows free rotation in one direction and is locked in the other, utilizing an interference fit and frictional forces to manage torque, reducing wear and maintaining stability across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional torque assemblies allow rotation in both directions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The torque assembly is segmented into two distinct torque members: a first torque member that allows rotation in the first circumferential direction, and a second torque member that allows rotation in the second circumferential direction. This segmentation enables each member to be optimized for its specific rotational direction, reducing wear and improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Strength
If torque assembly components are made more robust to handle overload, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates the overload protection function into a specific mechanism within the torque members. The first and second torque members are designed with specific friction interfaces that inherently limit torque transmission, allowing the assembly to handle overload conditions without requiring additional robust structural components, thus maintaining simplicity.
3Device complexity
If torque assembly uses simple friction-based torque members, then device complexity is reduced, but torque precision deteriorates due to variation over lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific friction interfaces at controlled locations within the torque members. The first torque member has a friction interface optimized for the first circumferential direction, and the second torque member has a friction interface optimized for the second circumferential direction. This localized optimization ensures consistent torque characteristics over the lifetime of the assembly while maintaining simple overall device complexity.
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 enhances torque assembly efficiency and stability, reducing wear and maintenance costs by allowing free rotation in one direction while effectively locking in the other, thus improving performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an interference fit and frictional forces to manage torque, reducing wear and maintaining stability across varying conditions
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an interference fit and frictional forces to manage torque
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A torque assembly including an inner member; an outer member; a first torque member disposed between the inner member and the outer member; and a second torque member disposed radially exterior or interior to the first torque member; where upon rotation in a first circumferential direction, the first torque member is allowed to generally freely rotate and in a second circumferential direction, the first torque member is radially shifted to impede or prevent rotation, and where the second torque member provides a circumferential slip interface between the inner member and the outer member to allow rotation in the second circumferential direction.