What Is a Torque Limiter?

Whether you’re looking to add an extra bit of torque to your tool, or simply to keep the torque from getting out of hand, a limiter is a good tool to have on hand. There are a number of different limiters to choose from, including Ball detent limiters, Synchronous magnetic limiters, and Friction torque limiters.

Ball detent limiter

Typically, ball detent torque limiters use balls or rollers in sockets to control torque and force transmission through the load path. They are suitable for applications that require high precision and a fast response. They also minimize the possibility of damage caused by high-inertia loads. These torque limiters are often used on servo-driven axes. They are also suitable for packaging and woodworking.
A torque-limiting assembly consists of a gear, a cage, a series of balls, a spring, and breakout means. A cage is mounted between the input gear and a fixed backing plate. The cage rotates through half of the input gear’s axial angle. The cage holds the primary balls. When torque overload occurs, the primary balls roll out of their pockets and force the drive and driven elements to separate.
The cage also increases the frictional resistance to relative rotation. During normal torque loading, the primary balls continue to roll on the flat driving surface of the input gear. The cage displaces the input gear against the bias of the spring. This action maintains the assembly in this arrangement. The cage then rotates through the other half of the input gear’s axial angle. When the primary balls roll out of their pockets, the cage is forced axially toward the fixed backing plate.
The cage also has a secondary ball stop, which limits the travel of the secondary balls. Secondary balls are seated in terminal positions on the input gear. These balls roll out of secondary ball pockets 68 and 70. They may also be positioned in terminal positions. The secondary balls travel over ramps 69 and 72. They are sized to maintain a axial separation distance between the driving surface and the detent surface.
The primary balls are seated in the primary ball pockets 40 and 50 in the driving surface of the input gear. The cap projects into the primary ball pockets 50 in the detent surface 48. A plurality of secondary balls are seated in secondary ball pockets 68 and 70 in the driven surface of the cage. This action prevents the input gear from being displaced by the spring 20.

Friction torque limiter

Essentially a shaft-to-shaft coupling, a friction torque limiter combines economy and simplicity. The unit is designed to protect against excessive torque and also prevent damage from overloads. Typically used in conjunction with other drive components, a torque limiter is easy to install and replace, providing simple, cost-effective protection.
Torque limiters are available in many formats, including basic shear pins, ball detent units, and pneumatic controls. Each type of torque limiter must be designed for a specific application. Some systems offer a single position device, while others allow the operator to adjust settings to prevent overloads.
Torque limiters are commonly used in a wide variety of applications, including conveyors, sewage treatment plants, and power stations. These devices provide simple, cost-effective overload protection, and can be used in both directions of torque transmission.
Friction torque limiters are ideal for applications that operate under dusty conditions. They are also more predictable than shear pins, and can be adjusted to a variety of torque levels. The H-diameter calibration system on a GEC model, for example, makes it easier to determine the best torque setting for a given application.
Torque limiters can be coupled to any combination of rotating bodies, including shafts, pulleys, gears, and motors. They can be adjusted with an adjustable nut, and a variety of spring sets can be fitted to provide different torque ranges.
Torque limiters may also be equipped with a limit switch, which permits control of the motor drive system. If a torque overload occurs, the limit switch will signal the control system to shut the motor off.
Torque limiters are usually made from durable heat-treated steel. Some models come with bronze bushings for additional protection, and some offer a random reset device. To determine which torque limiter is right for your application, consult a factory. Regardless of the type of torque limiter you choose, it should have the right torque range and the right bore size.
In addition to preventing overloads, friction torque limiters can also help prevent damage to drive components, especially when they are used in conjunction with gears, sprockets, and pulleys. They are also simple to install and replace, providing simple, cost-effective, and user-friendly protection.

Reset style of limiter

Depending on the application, there are several styles of torque limiters. It is a good idea to consult a manufacturer in your area for the specifics. You’ll also want to make sure your new tool is the most effective fit for your application. A good rule of thumb is to match the output of your machine to the inputs of your torque limiter.
A good torque limiter should offer the following: a minimum of lost motion, a low frictional drag, and a low operating temperature. Some manufacturers offer a host of options, including a variety of materials and sizes. It is also worthwhile to select a torque limiter based on its mounting surface. Ideally, you want it to sit as close to the output of the machine as possible.
The best torque limiters are not only clever, they also offer a high degree of safety and reliability. They come in several varieties, from a simple pawl and spring configuration to hydraulic pressure and pneumatic pressure to complex synchronous magnetic and synchronous magnetic coupled units. Choosing the right one for your application can make a world of difference, especially if you want to make sure your equipment runs smoothly and efficiently.
One notable exception is a hydraulic torque limiter, which is seldom used for a simple reason: they’re too expensive. They are a bit complicated, and tend to occupy much more space than their petrochemical cousins. They also tend to require a lot of maintenance, especially if you’re dealing with a corrosive environment. The biggest disadvantage is that they often do not work well in high-stress environments. Fortunately, there are more cost-effective solutions to this problem. You should also know that a torque limiter is a safety device, so you should make sure to use one. This type of equipment is also useful in correcting misalignment and parallelism errors, so you’ll want to be sure you’re putting it to good use.
A torque limiter is a safety device that must decouple from the driven device when overload is detected. They are a worthwhile investment, and can be a useful tool in correcting misalignment and parallelism mistakes, ensuring your machine runs smoothly and safely.

Synchronous magnetic torque limiter

Basically, a torque limiter is a device that is used to limit the torque of the system. It protects the mechanical system of the machine from overload and damage. These devices are usually integrated into the drive train of a table-based machine or hand tool. In some cases, they may be reset automatically, while others need to be reset manually.
There are two kinds of torque limiters: the mechanical and the disconnect. In the mechanical type, a spring or a pawl is used to limit the torque. In the disconnect type, a mechanical component is sacrificed to allow the torque limiter to disconnect the drive. The disconnect type may be reset manually, while some may need to be reset automatically.
The synchronous magnetic torque limiter is a type of limiter that uses two magnets on each shaft of the machine. This type of limiter has some advantages over mechanical types, but there are also disadvantages. For example, it may have more backlash than the mechanical types. It may also transmit torque through a physical barrier. These disadvantages are sometimes offset by the fact that the synchronous magnetic torque limiter is able to work quickly and smoothly.
The torque limiter is usually the last gearset installed in a transmission assembly. It protects mechanical systems from overload and prevents the engine from burning out. Some types of torque limiters may require adjustment, but most of them do not. A torque limiter can be found in many cordless drills. Often, the torque limiter is positioned inside the planetary gearset.
The variable magnetic gearbox is another type of torque limiter. This type is a rotational device that uses a variable ratio magnetic gear. The variable magnetic gearbox uses about 25% of the input power and has lower maintenance requirements. It also has a lower output torque. It can be used to effectively limit the torque of a system.
A magnetic particle clutch can also be used as a torque limiter. This type of limiter is similar to the friction plate clutch. It can be integrated into a cylinder head. This type of clutch can be dynamically set or statically set.

editor by CX 2023-11-10