US 7,086,836 B1Granted

Dual rate torque transmitting device for a marine propeller

AssigneeBrunswick Corporation

InventorsMitesh B. Sheth, Michael P. Mihelich, John A. Tuchscherer, Roger E. Koepsel, Daniel J. Schlagenhaft

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Abstract

A torque transfer mechanism for a marine propulsion system provides a connector mechanism, a first torque transfer mechanism, and a second torque transfer mechanism. A plurality of rods can provide the first torque transfer mechanism and a polymer component is shaped to provide the second torque transfer mechanism. All torque below a preselected magnitude is transferred through the first torque transfer mechanism and, for magnitudes of torque above the threshold, torque is transferred by both the first and second torque transfer mechanisms. The connector mechanism has an outer surface that is not used to transfer torque between it and an inner hub of a propulsor.

Claims33

Dependent claims

A torque transmitting device for a marine propulsion system, comprising:

an adapter shaped to be attached in torque transmitting relation with a propulsor shaft of said marine propulsion system for rotation about an axis of said propulsor shaft;
a connector mechanism attached in torque transmitting relation with said adapter for rotation in synchrony with said adapter about said axis;
a first torque transfer mechanism having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first torque transfer mechanism being attached to said connector mechanism for rotation in synchrony with said connector mechanism about said axis;
a second torque transfer mechanism which is rotatable relative to said adapter by a preselected angular magnitude, said second end of said first torque transfer mechanism being attached to said second torque transfer mechanism, said second torque transfer mechanism being attachable to a propulsor for rotation in synchrony with said propulsor about said axis, a radially outer surface of said connector mechanism being disposed generally in non torque transmitting relation with said propulsor, a radially outer surface of said connector mechanism being disposed in noncontact association with said propulsor.

1 more element

A torque transmitting device for a marine propulsion system, comprising:

an adapter shaped to be attached in torque transmitting relation with a propulsor shaft of said marine propulsion system for rotation about an axis of said propulsor shaft in synchrony with said propulsor shaft, said adapter having a first set of spline teeth shaped to be disposed in meshing relation with a second set of spline teeth of said propulsor shaft to attach said adapter in torque transmitting relation with said propulsor shaft;
a connector mechanism attached in torque transmitting relation with said adapter for rotation in synchrony with said adapter about said axis;
a first torque transfer mechanism having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first torque transfer mechanism being attached to said connector mechanism for rotation in synchrony with said connector mechanism about said axis;
a second torque transfer mechanism which is rotatable relative to said adapter by a preselected angular magnitude, said second end of said first torque transfer mechanism being attached to said second torque transfer mechanism, said second torque transfer mechanism being attachable to a propulsor for rotation in synchrony with said propulsor about said axis, all torque, between said propulsor shaft and said propulsor, below a first predetermined magnitude is transmitted through said first torque transfer mechanism, said second torque transfer mechanism being disposed at a position which is closer to a distal end of said propulsor shaft than said connector mechanism.

1 more element

A torque transmitting device for a marine propulsion system, comprising:

an adapter shaped to be attached in torque transmitting relation with a propulsor shaft of said marine propulsion system for rotation about an axis of said propulsor shaft in synchrony with said propulsor shaft, said adapter having a first set of spline teeth shaped to be disposed in meshing relation with a second set of spline teeth of said propulsor shaft to attach said adapter in torque transmitting relation with said propulsor shaft;
a connector mechanism attached in torque transmitting relation with said adapter for rotation in synchrony with said adapter about said axis;
a first torque transfer mechanism having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first torque transfer mechanism being attached to said connector mechanism for rotation in synchrony with said connector mechanism about said axis;
a second torque transfer mechanism which is rotatable relative to said adapter by a preselected angular magnitude, said second end of said first torque transfer mechanism being attached to said second torque transfer mechanism, said second torque transfer mechanism being attachable to a propulsor for rotation in synchrony with said propulsor about said axis, said connector mechanism being disposed in non torque transmitting relation with said propulsor, said second torque transfer mechanism being disposed at a position which is closer to a distal end of said propulsor shaft than said connector mechanism;
a first plurality of protrusions extending radially outwardly from said adapter;
a first plurality of grooves formed in said connector mechanism, each of said first plurality of grooves being shaped to receive an associated one of said first plurality of protrusions in torque transmitting relation therein;
a second plurality of protrusions extending radially outwardly from said adapter;
and
a second plurality of grooves formed in said second torque transfer mechanism, each of said second plurality of grooves being shaped to receive an associated one of said second plurality of protrusions with a clearance therebetween to permit relative movement between said adapter and said second torque transfer mechanism.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.