Torque-limiting mechanism

Details Torque-limiting mechanism Torque-limiting mechanism

2007-09-25

2007-09-25

Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)

Tools

Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor

Responsive to torque on work

C081S474000, C081S475000, C081S476000

Reexamination Certificate

active

11153286

ABSTRACT:
A torque-limiting mechanism is provided for use in a variety of torque-applying tools. The mechanism includes a handle defining a housing in which are disposed a slip gear and a fixed gear. The fixed gear is attached to the housing while the slip gear is attached to drive body extending outwardly from the housing and engageable with an item to be turned utilizing the tool. The slip gear and the fixed gear are connected by ball bearings disposed within recesses located on each gear that are pressed into the recesses by a force exerted on the gears by a number of spring members disposed between an enclosed end of the housing and the fixed gear. The amount of force exerted by the springs on the gears can be varied as necessary, thereby allowing the amount of torque required to enable the slip gear to move with respect to the fixed gear to be set where desired. The use of the ball bearings as the engagement members between the fixed gear and the slip gear provides a smooth transition between positions when the slip gear rotates with respect to the fixed gear, and greatly reduces the amount of friction forces acting on the torque-limiting mechanism, such that the force controlling the operation of the mechanism is solely provided by the springs and easily predictable and controllable.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2732746 (1956-01-01), Livermont
patent: 3167936 (1965-02-01), Engquist
patent: 4901610 (1990-02-01), Larson et al.
patent: 6132435 (2000-10-01), Young
patent: 6752051 (2004-06-01), Hu
patent: 6832533 (2004-12-01), Huang

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