Torque Limiter Indicator Cam Mechanism for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque limiter indicator systems are prone to high contact stresses and excessive wear, making them unreliable for providing a clear indication when a torque limiter has tripped, especially due to the delicacy of components like ball spline arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An indicator system comprising a first component with radially extending cam surfaces, a second component fixed against rotation but axially movable, and a third component with notches that ride up the cam surfaces to move axially, allowing for a visual indication of torque limiter tripping through an indicator member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball spline arrangement is used to convert differential rotation into axial movement for the indicator, then the indicator system can provide visual indication of torque limiter tripping, but the system becomes vulnerable to excessive wear and high contact stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ball spline mechanical system with a cam mechanism. The cam surface on the first component interacts with the notch on the third component to convert rotational differential movement into axial displacement. This substitution eliminates the ball spline arrangement and its associated bearing components, thereby removing the vulnerability to excessive wear and high contact stresses while maintaining the indication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the ball spline arrangement from the indicator system. By eliminating this delicate component, the system avoids the problems of bearing run-out and excessive wear that plague conventional designs. The extraction focuses on removing only the problematic element while preserving the essential function of converting rotational movement to axial indicator movement through the cam mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If conventional indicator mechanisms are used, then visual indication of tripping is achieved, but the system becomes delicate and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the delicate ball spline mechanism with a more robust cam-based mechanical system. The cam surface and notch interaction provides a simpler, more durable mechanism for converting rotational differential movement into axial indicator movement. This substitution maintains ease of operation and clear visual indication while significantly improving system robustness by eliminating fragile bearing components.
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 reduces wear and enhances the reliability of torque limiter indication by providing a clear visual signal of tripping without the vulnerabilities of conventional systems, ensuring effective operation in applications like aircraft flight control surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first component extending around an axis and comprising one or more radially extending cam surfaces; wherein the third component comprises one or more notches, each receiving one of the radially extending cam surfaces, and upon relative rotation between the first component and the second component and the third component, a surface of each of the notches is configured to ride up a corresponding cam surface of the first component, causing the third component to move axially away from the second component
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an indicator system for a torque limiter. The system comprises a first component extending around an axis (A) and comprising one or more radially extending cam surfaces, and a second component in combination with a third component. The third component is fixed against rotation relative to the second component, but is axially movable relative to the second component. The third component comprises one or more notches, each receiving one of the radially extending cam surfaces. Upon relative rotation between the first component and the combination of the second component and the third component, a surface of each of the notches is configured to ride up a corresponding cam surface of the first component, causing the third component to move axially away from the second component.