by what is a torque limiter?
overload clutchs are mechanical safety devices that are designed to protect motors, gears, shafts and other rotating/driving components from over torque and overloading. They work by slipping or releasing at a predetermined torque level to prevent damage from occurring to equipment. Most common torque limiting technologies utilize clutches, hydraulic couplings or overrunning devices to control torque output.
Types of torque limiter
there are several main types of torque limiting technologies used across different industries:
friction disk overload clutchs
one of the most basic Torque Limiter designs uses a set of friction disks that are designed to slip and release at a predetermined torque threshold. Extra friction disks are added between a drive shaft and output shaft joined by a common hub. When torque exceeds the limit, the disks will slip against each other rather than allowing damaging overload forces to pass through.
Hydraulic overload clutchs these use hydraulic fluid and pressure to transmit torque up to the set limit. A hydraulic coupling joins the input and output components, but contains weak points that will allow the fluid to bypass if overload occurs. This absorbs shock and safely reduces transmitted torque.
Overrunning overload clutchsan overrunning clutch is utilized which freely rolls in one direction, but locks and limits torque in the reverse direction. It prevents feedback that could cause damage during overload scenarios.
Electronically controlled overload clutchs more advanced models can be adjusted or modulated in real-time through electronic controls. Hydraulic or electromagnetic mechanisms within the limiter are activated by a controller monitoring system parameters.
Applications and uses of overload clutchs overload clutchs serve many important purposes across various industrial sectors:
conveyor systems preventing overloads from occurring when material jams within belt, screw or other conveyor types. The limiter slips to avoid damage to drive components or surrounding structure.
Packaging machinery ensuresforms, filling and closing machines do not apply excessive forces that could damage products or jam mechanisms.
Mixing and agitating vessels protects agitator and mixer drive motors/shafts from overloads caused by thickening mixtures or foreign object ingress.
Food processing equipment safeguards equipment like cutters, blenders and forming devices with slip torque control.
Automated guided vehicles limits maximum driving forces on vehicles operating in restricted or congested environments.
Crane and hoist application avoids structural failures if a hoisted load suddenly increases in weight or becomes stuck.
Robotics and mechanization torque control protects robotic joints, actuators and end effectors from shock overloads.
Steel and plastics fabrication machines like punch presses, winding machines benefit from overload slippage control.
How overload clutchs work to protect systems when an overload scenario arises that could cause damage, the overload clutch activates its slip or bypass mechanism to safely manage the situation:
– the drive input continues to apply torque to the limiter as normal up until the preset limit is reached.
– once the limit is exceeded, the internal mechanical or hydraulic design yields and allows partial or complete slippage to occur between input and output sides.
– this stops damaging overload torque from being transferred any further through gears, shafts or other components down the driven system.
– feedback and potentially harmful inertia or reaction forces are absorbed and isolated by the limiter mechanism.
– systems are then able to automatically reset and continue operating once the overload passes without requiring repair or downtime.
Proper sizing and selection is critical
to reliably protect equipment, overload clutchs must be accurately sized by manufacturers for the specific load characteristics:
– drive motor size, speed and torque output range
– inertias of driven components and forces in the system
– expected overload magnitudes and durations in abnormal situations
– environmental conditions and expected service life
– installation orientation and integration details
an undersized limiter may not activate in time to prevent damage, while an oversized one could inadvertently trip during normal operation. Application engineering support is essential for choosing the right model.
Regular maintenance like fluid changes may also be needed on some hydraulic torque limiting designs to maintain calibrated performance over long operational periods. Proper installation and settings ensure safe and efficient protection of rotational equipment.
overload clutchs are critical safety components that prevent costly equipment failure and downtime from overload events. Their slippage mechanism isolating damaging feedback preserves both machinery and processes. Correct application engineering is key to reliable protection matched to system parameters.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
