Torque-Limiting Flywheel Assembly for Wear-Safe Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maneuvering and tightening elements face challenges in identifying and limiting the maximum allowable torque, leading to potential overload, premature wear, and breakage, especially during the tightening process, due to imprecise contact between abutment surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A maneuvering flywheel with a cylindrical base and crown, incorporating a Belleville washer and a shaped track with steel spheres, limits torque by compressing the Belleville washer to disengage the track from the spheres once the predetermined torque is reached, ensuring safe operation and reducing wear by using distinct engagement teeth for unscrewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the operator applies force to tighten the maneuvering element, then the tightening torque increases, but the engagement area may be subjected to overload causing premature wear and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
A torque limiting device is introduced as an intermediary component between the maneuvering element and the engagement area. This device includes a Belleville washer and shaped track with steel spheres that automatically disengage when a predetermined torque threshold is exceeded, preventing overload transmission to the engagement area while allowing normal tightening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiting mechanism changes the mechanical state of the system by transitioning from engaged (track and spheres in contact) to disengaged (track lifted off spheres) when the torque parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold. This parameter-based control automatically protects the engagement area without requiring operator intervention
2Productivity
If the operator forces the tightening beyond the maximum allowable torque, then the tightening action is completed faster, but the abutment surfaces may be deformed causing imprecise contact
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limit is predetermined and pre-set in the Belleville washer and shaped track assembly before the tightening operation begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the maximum allowable torque is established in advance, preventing surface deformation while maintaining efficient tightening speed through automatic protection
3Reliability
If the maneuvering element is designed with torque limiting means, then the risk of wear and malfunctions is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting mechanism is nested within the existing maneuvering element structure. The Belleville washer and shaped track with steel spheres are contained within the maneuvering element's cylindrical cavity, utilizing the existing space and integration points. This nested configuration adds torque protection functionality while minimizing increases in overall device complexity
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 effectively limits torque, reducing the risk of wear and malfunctions, ensuring precise operation and preventing unwanted unscrewing due to vibrations, while allowing for adjustable torque settings through modification of components.
Implementation Method 1
a Belleville washer (11) associated with said pin (6) - and housed in the upper chamber of the cavity (2a)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Manoeuvering flywheel of the type consisting of a main flywheel body composed of a cylindrical base and a crown consisting of a regular series of gripping lobes characterised in that said cylindrical base centrally provides a cylindrical cavity, wherein a septum is located which is centrally perforated, perpendicular to the directrices of said cylindrical cavity, and apt to make up two separate chambers, on the lower surface of which a series of engagement teeth is housed.