Torsional Spring Roller Jammer Assembly for Bidirectional Torque Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiter assemblies face challenges in interconnecting an input shaft, a spring, and an output shaft in limited space while maintaining functional requirements for both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations without additional assembly operations or adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiter design that includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a preloadable torsional spring, where the torsional spring is fitted about the output shaft, allowing torque transmission through the spring when downstream torque is below the preload torque and diverting torque to an external structure when it exceeds the preload torque, utilizing a roller jammer and cam profile for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a torque limiter assembly uses traditional interconnection methods for input shaft, spring, and output shaft, then the assembly can maintain functional requirements for both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations, but the assembly complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the input shaft and output shaft into a single integrated shaft structure with concentric bores. The torsional spring is fitted within the inner bore, eliminating the need for separate connection mechanisms. This unified structure reduces assembly complexity while maintaining bidirectional rotation functionality through the spring's inherent torsional properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsional spring is nested within the inner bore of the integrated shaft, creating a compact concentric arrangement. The roller jammer mechanism is nested within the outer bore, allowing both components to share the same axial space. This nesting approach minimizes the overall assembly footprint while preserving all functional requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If the torque limiter assembly is designed for limited space, then the device size is reduced, but additional assembly operations or adjustments are required to maintain functional requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The torsional spring is pre-assembled and pre-positioned within the inner bore of the integrated shaft during manufacturing. The spring's tangs are configured to engage with keyed portions of the shaft, establishing the correct preload and orientation before final assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field adjustments and simplifies the assembly process despite the compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated shaft design with concentric bores and keyed portions provides self-aligning features that guide the torsional spring into its correct position during assembly. The spring's own geometry and the shaft's keyways work together to automatically establish proper alignment and preload, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly operations.
3Device complexity
If a torsional spring is fitted about the output shaft with the output shaft fit about the input shaft, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the torque transmission paths must be carefully designed to handle both rotation directions
Solution Approach 1:
The torsional spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, provides overload protection by diverting torque to the roller jammer, and maintains bidirectional rotation capability. The roller jammer mechanism also serves dual purposes by engaging with the cam profile to divert torque while allowing normal operation when torque is within limits. This multi-functionality approach handles bidirectional rotation without increasing assembly 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
Enables efficient torque transmission and protection from jammed conditions in limited spaces with minimal components and assembly complexity, ensuring functional requirements are met without additional adjustments, facilitating automated assembly and reducing weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a torsional spring which is preloadable by a preload torque whereupon the torsional spring is fitable about the output shaft
Implementation Method 2
a roller jammer by which torque following the second TT path proceeds to the external structure
Data Source
AI summary
A torque limiter (TL) is provided for torque transmission (TT) to downstream components. The TL includes an input shaft, an output shaft and a torsional spring which is preloadable by a preload torque whereupon the torsional spring is fittable about the output shaft with the output shaft fit about the input shaft. For input shaft rotation, first TT paths proceed from the input shaft to the output shaft through the torsional spring when downstream torque of the downstream components deceeds the preload torque and a second TT path proceeds from the input shaft to an external structure when the downstream torque exceeds the preload torque.