Torque Limiter With Spring-Jammer Disengagement for Impulse Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft actuator systems face damage from high impulse torques when an actuator jams, as the rapid deceleration of the drive motor applies excessive torque to the system, which existing mechanisms fail to mitigate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiting device with a rotationally mounted input shaft, an intermediate drive element, and jammer elements connected by a spring mechanism, which disengages from the output shaft when torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing further torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque limiting device is introduced to protect against high impulse torques, then the actuator system is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting device is segmented into distinct functional components: an input shaft, an intermediate drive element, jammer elements, and a spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall torque limiting capability, making the complex device more manageable and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate drive element serves as an intermediary component between the input shaft and output shaft. It mediates the torque transmission by engaging or disengaging the jammer elements based on the spring mechanism's response to excessive torque, thereby protecting the system without requiring direct complex control mechanisms
2Reliability
If the spring mechanism is designed to disengage at a low torque threshold, then protection is provided against high impulse torques, but normal operating torque transmission is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism's pre-compression force is carefully calibrated to create a specific engagement threshold. This parameter adjustment ensures that the jammer elements remain engaged during normal operation but disengage when torque exceeds the predetermined threshold, achieving both protection and functional torque transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiting device transitions from a static torque transmission system to a dynamic one where the engagement state of the jammer elements changes based on the applied torque. The spring mechanism continuously adjusts the engagement force, allowing the device to adapt its torque transmission capability based on operating conditions
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 device effectively limits torque transmission above the threshold, protecting the actuator system from damage by temporarily disconnecting the input shaft from the output shaft during high impulse events, thereby preventing shock loads.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism connected between the input shaft and the intermediate drive element for aligning the intermediate drive element and the input shaft in a driving configuration
Implementation Method 2
The torsion spring assembly may comprise a torsion bar rotationally coupled to the input shaft and the intermediate element
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiting device comprises rotationally mounted input and output shafts, an intermediate drive element rotationally coupled to the input shaft and a plurality of jammer elements mounted between the intermediate drive element and the output shaft. A spring mechanism is connected between the input shaft and the intermediate drive element for aligning the intermediate drive element and the input shaft in a driving configuration in which rotation of the input shaft at a torque below a predetermined threshold is transmitted to the output shaft via the jammer element, but in which torque above the predetermined threshold moves the input shaft rotationally relative to the intermediate drive element against the force of the spring mechanism so as to disengage that jammer elements from driving engagement with the output shaft.