Torque Limiter Plug Indicator With Expanding Resilient Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiter indication methods, such as indicator arms, require complex machinery and large housing modifications, increasing manufacturing costs and weight, while providing limited visual indication of tripping.
Innovation Solution
An elongated plug indicator with resilient members that compress and expand to provide a visual indication of torque limiter tripping, reducing the need for complex machinery and housing modifications by using a cavity that fits within existing dimensions, allowing the indicator to protrude and resist further movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating indicator arm with pivot and cavity is used, then visual indication of tripping is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of visual indication from the complex rotating arm mechanism and implements it through a simple plug indicator with resilient members that expand outward to provide visual feedback, eliminating the need for pivots, cavities, and complex housing modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members change their physical state from compressed to expanded when the torque limiter trips, providing visual indication through this parameter change rather than through mechanical movement of a complex indicator arm
2Reliability
If a rotating indicator arm is used, then tripping indication is achieved, but weight of the torque limiter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug indicator with resilient members is a simple, lightweight component that can be easily replaced if needed, unlike the permanent structural modifications required for a rotating indicator arm mechanism
3Ease of operation
If complex machinery and housing modifications are used for indication, then visual indication is provided, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the housing to accommodate a complex indicator mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple plug that fits into a minimal cavity and provides indication through expansion of resilient members, reversing the traditional design paradigm
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, reliable visual indication of torque limiter tripping with reduced manufacturing complexity and weight, while maintaining the indicator's secure positioning within the torque limiter housing.
Implementation Method 1
one or more members (e.g., resilient members) configured to move from an initial, compressed state (e.g., during normal operation of the torque limiter), to a subsequent, expanded state (e.g., upon tripping of the torque limiter)
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an indicator for a torque limiter, comprising one or more resilient members configured to move from an initial, compressed state during normal operation of the torque limiter, to a subsequent, expanded state upon tripping of the torque limiter, to provide a visual indication that the torque limiter has tripped.