Torque-Limiting Device for Motorcycle Drive Train Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles, particularly off-road motorcycles, face issues with torque peaks during changing grip conditions, leading to overstressing of drive components like chains and cardan drives, as existing clutch systems are inadequate in limiting these peaks due to manufacturing tolerances and wear, resulting in potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A torque-limiting device, specifically a double wheel slip clutch, is integrated between the clutch and transmission output, which is a passive mechanical slipping clutch that limits torque peaks by slipping under overload conditions, preventing excessive stress on drive train components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a starting clutch is designed with large diameter and many friction partners to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and wear, then the clutch can handle torque peaks, but the mass moment of inertia of the clutch increases and the clutch cannot effectively limit sudden torque peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is divided into two independent friction partners instead of using one large friction partner. This segmentation allows each friction partner to be smaller in diameter while collectively providing the necessary friction surface area, thereby reducing the mass moment of inertia while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The two friction partners are arranged concentrically, with one friction partner nested within or adjacent to the other. This nested arrangement maximizes the friction surface area within a compact radial space, reducing the overall clutch diameter and moment of inertia while maintaining the required friction capacity
2Strength
If self-reinforcing starting clutches are used on sports motorcycles, then the clutch can handle high loads, but load peaks cause additional closing force on the clutch leading to chain damage, gearbox damage and housing cracks
Solution Approach 1:
A torque-limiting device is introduced as an intermediary component in the torque transmission path between the clutch and the drive train. This device acts as a mechanical fuse that limits the maximum torque transmitted to downstream components, preventing damage while allowing the clutch to handle high loads
Solution Approach 2:
The torque-limiting device is pre-configured with a specific torque threshold that acts as a protective barrier before excessive torque can reach the drive train components. This beforehand cushioning prevents chain damage, gearbox damage, and housing cracks by limiting torque peaks at their source
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 torque-limiting device effectively restricts torque peaks to a design-specified maximum, protecting drive train components from damage and ensuring reliable operation across varying grip conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a friction disk 9 being arranged between the plate spring 8 and the gear wheel 2. Two further friction discs 10, 11 are arranged between the gear wheel 2 and the gear wheel 3
Implementation Method 2
The two gears 2, 3 are pressed together by a plate spring 8 supported on the bearing 7
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle having a motor and a crankshaft (13) coupled with a gearbox via a clutch (14), wherein a torque-limiting unit (1) is disposed in the torque path between the clutch and an output (24) of the gearbox.