Torque-Limiting Return Stop Device With Dual Wedge Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque-limiting return stop devices face challenges in achieving a compact design while maintaining high slippage torque, leading to inefficient utilization of nominal torque and requiring excessive release screws for quick release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual wedge mechanism and friction-coated contact areas, combined with disk springs or helical compression springs, allows for strong contact pressures and efficient force amplification, enabling a more compact design with enhanced slippage torque and reduced wear, and the use of release screws or hydraulic actuators for controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the contact pressure in the torque limiter is increased to achieve higher slippage torque with a compact design, then the slippage torque is improved, but the number of release screws required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into multiple gliding elements (first and second gliding elements) that work together through wedge areas. This segmentation allows the release force to be distributed and amplified mechanically, reducing the need for multiple release screws while maintaining the ability to overcome high contact pressures for quick release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dual-wedge mechanism that operates in radial and axial dimensions simultaneously. The first gliding element moves radially while the second gliding element moves axially, creating a two-dimensional force amplification system. This dimensional approach allows a single release screw to generate sufficient force to overcome high contact pressures without requiring multiple release devices.
2Volume of moving object
If the return stop device is designed in a more compact fashion to match compact transmissions, then the device size is reduced, but the maximum torque capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-wedge mechanism utilizes both radial and axial dimensions to amplify force. The first wedge area converts radial movement into axial force, while the second wedge area further amplifies this force in the opposite axial direction. This two-stage dimensional force multiplication allows the compact device to generate high contact pressures and transmit high torque despite its reduced size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the system by introducing variable wedge angles and multi-stage force amplification. By optimizing the wedge angles and the arrangement of gliding elements, the system achieves high force multiplication ratios, enabling compact dimensions while maintaining high torque capacity through increased contact pressure rather than increased size.
3Force
If the contact pressure is increased to achieve higher slippage torque, then the slippage torque is improved, but the release speed is reduced due to higher friction
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into multiple gliding elements with wedge areas that work in sequence. This segmentation allows the release force to be applied progressively through multiple stages, enabling rapid overcoming of high contact pressure. The distributed wedge areas reduce the effective friction resistance at any single point while maintaining high overall contact pressure for torque capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-wedge mechanism operates in two dimensions (radial and axial), creating a force amplification system that overcomes friction more efficiently. The first wedge converts radial force to axial force, and the second wedge converts this axial force back to radial force in the opposite direction, creating a mechanical advantage that enables quick release despite high contact pressures.
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
This configuration enables a torque-limiting return stop device with increased slippage torque, optimized sizing, and reduced dimensions, while ensuring rapid and controlled release mechanisms, protecting conveyer systems from damage and facilitating maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the release device has an actuating organ, which acts upon a first gliding element, which is displaceable in an operating direction, that the first gliding element via a first wedge area acts upon at least one second gliding element, which is arranged displaceable essentially in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction, and that the second gliding element acts via a second wedge area upon the housing part opposite the contact pressure
Implementation Method 2
a clamping device acting in the axial direction, which applies a contact pressure, preferably an adjustable one, by which the external ring is pressed with its face against at least one friction area between the flange and the housing part in order to generate a friction-fitting connection between the flange and the external ring
Implementation Method 3
The implementation of a dual wedge mechanism and friction-coated contact areas, combined with disk springs or helical compression springs, allows for strong contact pressures
Data Source
AI summary
A return stop device with a freewheel having an internal ring, an external ring, and retaining elements arranged in an annular gap therebetween. A flange is provided at the attachment side and a housing part, between which the external ring is clamped, and a clamping device by which the external ring is pressed with its face between the flange and the housing part against a friction area, in order to generate a friction-fitting connection between the flange and the external ring. A release device is provided to at least partially overcome the contact pressure, in order to reduce or remove the friction-fitting connection. The release device includes an actuating organ, which acts upon a first gliding element, displaceable in an operating direction, to act upon a second gliding element, arranged displaceable perpendicular to the operating direction, that acts via a second wedge against the contact pressure upon the housing part.