Torque Limiter With Adjustable Pre-Tensioning Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque limiters in motor vehicles, especially those with hybrid drive motors, face challenges in adjusting the torque limit value after assembly, as it is typically set during design and cannot be modified later, leading to potential damage from excessive torque transmission.

Innovation Solution

A torque limiter design featuring two connected covers with an interspace, friction plates, and a load element with an adjustment mechanism that allows for varying pre-tensioning force through a system of projections and recesses with a ramp configuration, enabling external adjustment of the torque limit after installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the torque limit is set at the design stage during assembly, then the limiter structure is simple and reliable, but the torque limit cannot be adjusted after assembly to meet different conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque limit adjustabilityVSAvoidlimiter structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the torque limiter adjustable after assembly. The load element's position can be changed relative to the friction plates, allowing the torque limit to be dynamically adjusted to meet different operational conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing adjustment mechanisms that allow the torque limit to be set or modified before the limiter is put into service or during maintenance periods. The load element positioning system enables pre-adjustment of the torque limit according to specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the torque limit is fixed during design, then manufacturing and assembly are straightforward, but the limiter cannot be adapted to different torque requirements in various applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific torque adjustmentVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the torque limiter adaptable to different applications by enabling post-assembly adjustment of the torque limit. The load element can be repositioned along the friction plates or between different predetermined positions, allowing the same limiter design to serve multiple torque requirements without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by designing a torque limiter that can function across multiple torque requirements. The adjustment mechanism allows a single limiter design to be configured for different torque limits, making it suitable for various motor vehicle applications without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If standard friction plates are used without adjustment capability, then production is efficient and cost-effective, but the slip torque value may be far from the ideal value due to production conditions and geometric tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque limit precisionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the torque limit parameter to be adjusted after assembly through repositioning the load element. This compensates for variations in friction plate characteristics caused by production conditions and geometric tolerances, enabling precise torque limiting without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by providing an adjustment mechanism that allows operators to fine-tune the torque limit on-site without requiring specialized manufacturing processes. The system enables users to self-adjust the torque limit to achieve ideal values despite variations in standard friction plate production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 flexible adjustment of the torque limit to meet various requirements without requiring reassembly, protecting motor vehicle systems by preventing excessive torque transmission and extending the lifespan of transmission components.

Implementation Method 1

a load element which, by pre-tensioning, applies a force to the friction plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one friction plate within the aforementioned interspace, a drive plate which is in contact with the aforementioned friction plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3438488B1A torque limiter
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 VALEO OTOMOTIV SANAYI & TICARET AS
  • EP3438488B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3438488B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3438488B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3.A

AI summary

The invention concerns a torque limiter (1) for use in internal combustion vehicles which includes two covers (10) connected to one another, an interspace (13) formed between the covers (10), at least one friction plate (23) within the aforementioned interspace (13), a drive plate (24) which is in contact with the aforementioned friction plate (23), and a load element (21) which applies force on the friction plate by pre-tensioning, and an adjustment device in order to adjust of the force applied to the friction plates (23) by altering the pre-tensioning of the load element (21).