Differential torque limiter
AssigneeMoog Inc.
InventorsLowell V. Larson, Mark A. Mourani, Eric A. Polcuch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A differential coupling (20) has a body (21), a rotary input member (22), and two rotary output shafts (23, 24). The algebraic sum of the angular displacements of the output shafts is proportional to the rotation of the input member. The improvement includes mechanical means (39), such as a planetary gear (42), for sensing a torque differential between the output shafts, and a brake (38) mounted on the body and operatively arranged to selectively brake rotation of the input member, or both output members, when the difference between the torques on the outputs exceeds a predetermined first value.
Claims6
A differential coupling having a body, having a rotary input member and having two rotary output members, the algebraic sum of the angular displacements of the output members being proportional to the angular displacement of the input member, the improvement comprising:
- mechanical means for sensing the difference between the torques on said output members;
- and
- a brake mounted on said body and operatively arranged to selectively brake rotation of at least one of said input member and said output members when the difference between the torques on said output members exceeds a predetermined first value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.