Torque Limiter Load Structure for Uniform Friction Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters in vehicles suffer from non-homogeneous pressure distribution between the pressure plate and friction elements, leading to mechanical and chemical erosion due to ingress of external agents, and imbalance in friction force, which can cause damage to transmission components.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter design featuring a load device with radially distanced fulcrums and support sections that apply pressure evenly across the pressure plate, using Belleville springs to ensure balanced friction force and prevent ingress of external agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fulcrum is used in the load device, then the structure is simpler, but the pressure distribution between the pressure plate and friction elements becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The load device is segmented into multiple fulcrums (first fulcrum and second fulcrum) that are radially distanced from each other. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple contact points on the pressure plate, creating a more homogeneous pressure distribution between the pressure plate and friction elements, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and pressure uniformity.
2Device complexity
If pressure is concentrated at one point, then the load device structure is simpler, but external agents can ingress into voids causing mechanical and chemical erosion
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple radially distanced fulcrums, the pressure plate maintains continuous contact with the friction elements across multiple zones. This eliminates voids between the pressure plate and friction elements where water, sand, and similar external agents could ingress, preventing mechanical and chemical erosion while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Force
If non-homogeneous pressure distribution occurs, then the friction force becomes unbalanced, but achieving homogeneous pressure requires more complex load device design
Solution Approach 1:
The load device incorporates multiple fulcrums positioned at different radial locations on the pressure plate. This segmentation creates multiple pressure zones that collectively achieve homogeneous pressure distribution across the entire contact surface, ensuring balanced friction force between the pressure plate and friction elements without requiring overly complex mechanisms.
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 design achieves homogeneous pressure distribution and balanced friction force, preventing mechanical and chemical erosion, thus protecting transmission components and enhancing system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A torque limiter design featuring a load device with radially distanced fulcrums and support sections that apply pressure evenly across the pressure plate, using Belleville springs to ensure balanced friction force
Implementation Method 2
at least one friction element positioned axially between the pressure plate and the drive plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1.A
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention is a torque limiter (1) comprising a first cover (70) and a second cover (80) connected by means of rivets (81). There is a drive plate (40) located axially between the first cover (70) and the second cover (80). In a preferred embodiment in the art the first cover (70) and the second cover (80) were adapted for connection to the engine by means of a flywheel. The drive plate (40) was adapted for connection to the input shaft of the gearbox. A load device (60) is positioned axially between the first cover (70) and the drive plate (40). A pressure plate (50) was positioned axially between the load device (60) and the drive plate (40). At least one friction element (41) was positioned between the pressure plate (50) and the drive plate (40). Preferably, at least one friction element (41) was attached to each axial surface of the drive plate (40). The load device (60) comprises a first fulcrum (61) and a second fulcrum (62) in contact with a pressure plate (50). Between the first fulcrum (61) and the second fulcrum (62) there is at least one support section (63) which applies force to the first cover (70). The first fulcrum (61) and the second fulcrum (62) are radially distanced from one another.