Torque Limiter Mechanism for Abseiling Rescue Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Abseiling devices used for rescues risk damage due to excessive torque applied by handwheels, which can lead to injury or equipment failure.
Innovation Solution
An abseiling device with a torque limiter featuring a first and second coupling body that decouples when a threshold torque is exceeded, accompanied by mechanical and acoustic signals to indicate the need for torque reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a handwheel is used to actuate the guide arrangement for lifting loads, then the ability to rescue persons from crevasses or unlock locking arrangements is improved, but the torque introduced can cause damage to the gear and locking arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
A torque limiter is introduced as an intermediary component between the handwheel and the gear/locking arrangement. This torque limiter includes a first coupling body connected to the handwheel and a second coupling body connected to the gear, with decoupling elements that prevent excessive torque transmission while allowing normal operation torque to pass through, thus protecting the gear and locking arrangement from damage
2Reliability
If a torque limiter is introduced to prevent damage from excessive torque, then the reliability of the abseiling device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter is segmented into distinct functional components: a first coupling body for handwheel connection, a second coupling body for gear connection, and separate decoupling elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and making the torque limiting mechanism more manageable and easier to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter is designed to automatically limit torque without requiring external control systems or complex sensing mechanisms. The decoupling elements self-activate when excessive torque is applied, causing the first and second coupling bodies to separate, thereby providing reliable torque protection through passive mechanical action
Data Source
AI summary
An abseiling device, includes a guide arrangement that can be rotated in two directions for guidance of a traction means. A braking device is coupled to the guide arrangement, where a drive means is connectable to the guide arrangement for actuating the guide arrangement. A torque limiter with a first coupling body and a second coupling body. decouples the drive means and the guide arrangement when a threshold value of a torque is exceeded. The first coupling body is displaced in translation relative to the second coupling body between a coupling position and a decoupling position.