Torque Limiter Cover Structure for Compact High-Capacity Friction Disc
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters in hybrid vehicles are not compact in size due to design constraints that prevent the friction disc from having a large diameter, leading to inefficiencies in torque capacity and attachment versatility on standard flywheels.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter device with a cover that accommodates a friction disc and an urging member, allowing the friction disc to be pressed towards the power source-side member, enabling a larger diameter without increasing the outer diameter and allowing for attachment to versatile flywheels, achieved through a tubular portion and support portion design that enables elastic deformation for pressing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the friction disc is disposed on the support portion side of the cover, then the curved surface portion of the cover can be utilized, but the draft and curved surface portion hinder increase in diameter of the friction disc
Solution Approach 1:
The friction disc is inverted from the conventional position on the support portion side to the tubular portion side of the cover. This inversion allows the friction disc to be positioned where there are no draft or curved surface portion constraints, enabling maximum diameter while maintaining compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction disc is positioned in the radial dimension of the tubular portion rather than being constrained by the axial dimension where the curved surface portion exists. This dimensional repositioning allows the friction disc to achieve larger diameter without being limited by the cover's curved surface geometry.
2Power
If the friction disc diameter is increased to obtain desired torque capacity, then torque capacity is improved, but the torque limiter cannot be made compact in size
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the friction disc position to the tubular portion side, the design achieves larger friction disc diameter for sufficient torque capacity while maintaining compact overall dimensions through the space-efficient tubular portion configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction disc is nested within the tubular portion of the cover, utilizing the available radial space efficiently. This nesting arrangement allows the friction disc to achieve maximum diameter for required torque capacity while the entire assembly remains compact due to the integrated cover structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cover is processed as an integral member by stamping, then manufacturing is simplified, but the draft and curved surface portion are created that hinder friction disc diameter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The friction disc position is inverted to the tubular portion side where the stamped cover's draft and curved surface portion do not create interference, allowing both simple stamping manufacturing and maximum friction disc diameter to be achieved simultaneously.
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 results in a compact radial and axial design that maintains torque capacity and allows easy attachment to standard flywheels, preventing excessive torque transmission and ensuring stable friction disc contact for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the support portion elastically deforms. However, a resilient force of the support portion against elastic deformation (an elastic force of the support portion) functions as a pressing force for pressing, together with the urging member, the friction disc toward the power source
Implementation Method 2
When an excessive torque is inputted from the output-side member, for instance, slippage is caused by a friction disc-related part whereby the excessive torque is prevented from being transmitted to the power source-side member
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiter device for limiting a torque transmitted between a power source-side member and an output-side member is disclosed. The torque limiter device includes a cover, a friction disc and an urging member. The cover includes a coupling portion, a tubular portion and a support portion. The coupling portion is coupled to the power source-side member. The tubular portion axially extends from the coupling portion. The support portion extends from the tubular portion to an inner peripheral side. The friction disc is accommodated in an inner peripheral space of the tubular portion of the cover, and is pressed toward the power source-side member. The urging member is supported by the support portion of the cover, and urges the friction disc toward the power source-side member.