Torque Limiting Handle Assembly with Resilient Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiting handle assemblies are complex in construction, which can lead to over-torquing issues and potential damage to mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A two-member torque limiting handle assembly with resiliently depending legs and a coupling section that allows the second member to rotate with the first member when reaction torque is below a threshold, but deflects and prevents rotation when torque exceeds the threshold, using undulations on both legs and the coupling section to manage torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-piece handle assembly with spring loaded ratchet is used to prevent over-torquing, then over-torquing damage is avoided, but the construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque limiting function directly into the handle assembly structure itself, merging the protective mechanism with the functional components rather than using separate spring-loaded ratchet devices. The resilient legs and coupling section work together as an integrated system to provide torque limiting while maintaining a simple two-member construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed to automatically limit torque through its own structural properties - the resilient legs deflect and the coupling section disengages when threshold torque is exceeded, without requiring external sensing or control systems. The structure serves its own protective function through inherent mechanical characteristics.
2Reliability
If multiple components with fasteners are used to achieve torque limiting, then torque control is effective, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the component count to just two main members (handle and shaft) that can be manufactured and assembled without fasteners. The torque limiting functionality is achieved through the integrated design of resilient legs and coupling section features, eliminating the need for separate springs, ratchets, and fastening hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses simple, easily manufacturable components with no fasteners required for assembly. The resilient legs and coupling section features are designed to be simple structural elements that can be produced cost-effectively through standard manufacturing processes, avoiding expensive precision components or complex assembly requirements.
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 simplifies the handle assembly to only three parts without fasteners, effectively preventing over-torquing while maintaining functionality, and allows for cost-effective manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
when a reaction torque of the second member is greater than the threshold value, the legs resiliently deflect so that the features simply pass across said legs
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiting handle assembly is described. One member of a two member torque limiting handle assembly has resiliently depending legs extending about its rotational axis. The second member has features arranged such that on rotation of the first member, the features contact the legs so that when a reaction torque of the second member is less than a threshold value, the second member rotates with the first member and when a reaction torque of the second member is greater than the threshold value, the legs resiliently deflect so that the features simply pass across the legs and the second member does not rotate with the first member.