Torque Limiter With Elastic Ring And Rolling Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters for surgical screwdrivers are overly complex and require sophisticated mechanics, making them difficult to implement in a simple and effective manner.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter mechanism utilizing an outer sleeve with peripheral grooves and recesses, an elastic ring, a rolling-element cage with slots, and an inner sleeve with V-shaped notches, which restricts relative torsion by aligning rolling elements with recesses under pressure from the elastic ring to limit torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sophisticated mechanical mechanism is used for torque limitation, then the torque control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter is divided into distinct functional segments: an outer sleeve with peripheral grooves and recesses, elastic rings for force application, a rolling-element cage with slots, and an inner sleeve with V-shaped notches. Each component performs a specific function, simplifying the overall design while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Rolling elements act as intermediaries between the outer sleeve and inner sleeve, transferring torque through a simplified mechanical interaction. The rolling elements move between recesses and notches, providing torque limitation without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
2Device complexity
If a simple mechanism is used for torque limitation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the torque control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque control precision is achieved by changing physical parameters of simple components: the elasticity of the rings, the geometry of the V-shaped notches, and the positioning of rolling elements. These parameter adjustments allow precise torque control without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
V-shaped notches and curved surfaces are used in the inner sleeve and rolling elements to improve contact geometry and torque transfer efficiency. The curved surfaces provide better force distribution and more precise torque limitation compared to flat surfaces.
3Reliability
If elastic rings are used to apply pressure to rolling elements, then the torque transfer control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rings serve multiple functions: they apply radial pressure to the rolling elements, provide a restoring force for torque reversal, and compensate for manufacturing tolerances. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic rings automatically adjust the pressure on rolling elements based on the torque applied, providing self-regulating torque control. When torque exceeds the limit, the rings compress and allow rolling elements to disengage from notches, automatically limiting torque without external control.
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 provides a simple and effective mechanism to limit torque transfer, allowing for precise control of rotational force, ensuring safe and efficient operation of surgical screwdrivers by preventing excessive torque application.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastic rings (16) which are inserted into the groove(s) and which act on the rolling elements (22) with a radially inward force
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rolling elements (22) which are inserted into the rolling-element slots (18)
Implementation Method 3
a rolling-element cage (20) in which a number of rolling elements (22) are inserted
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiter has an outer sleeve whose interior wall possesses at least one peripheral groove and a plurality of recesses running parallel to the axis. An elastic ring is inserted in each groove. A rolling-element cage has the same number of slots as the number of recesses possessed by the outer sleeve that receives it. A plurality of the rolling elements that are inserted into the rolling element slots. The inner sleeve which slots into the rolling-element cage and whose exterior wall possesses the same number of V-shaped notches—running parallel to the axis—as the number of rolling element slots is provided. A tool or system is provided to restrict the relative torsion between the rolling-element cage and the outer sleeve between a first received position—and a second received position—when the outer sleeve is loosened by rotation and the rolling elements which slot into the notches on the inner sleeve change position vis-à-vis the recesses on the outer sleeve.