TORQUE ARM ASSEMBLY FOR A BACKSTOPPING CLUTCH
A torque arm assembly for a backstopping clutch is provided that enables load sharing among multiple torque arm assemblies, controlled release of load on the torque arm assembly and load sensing. The torque arm assembly includes a head member that is connected to an outer race of a backstopping clutch and defines a pair of attachment points. One end of an arm member is pivotally connected to one attachment point of the head member while the other end of the arm member is connected to a stationary structure. A strut extends between the other attachment point of the head member and the arm member. Upon backstopping action by the clutch, the head member rotates slightly against the force of the strut allowing other torque arm assemblies to receive a portion of the system load. Movement of a strut seat then allows controlled release of the load tension.
1 . A torque arm assembly for a backstopping clutch, comprising:
a head member configured for connection to an outer race of said backstopping clutch, said head member defining first and second spaced attachment points;
an arm member configured for connection to a stationary structure proximate a first end of the arm member and pivotally connected to said first attachment point of said head member proximate a second end of said arm member; and,
a strut coupled at a first end to said second attachment point of said head member and at a second end to said arm member.
2 . The torque arm assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a damper connected at one end to said head member and at a second end to said arm member.
3 . The torque arm assembly of claim 2 wherein said damper is arranged substantially parallel to said strut.
4 . The torque arm assembly of claim 1 further comprising a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a distance between said head member and said arm member.
5 . The torque arm assembly of claim 4 wherein said sensor comprises a linear voltage displacement transducer.
6 . The torque arm assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a graduated load indicator scale disposed between said head member and said arm member.
7 . The torque arm assembly of claim 6 wherein said strut comprises a spring and said scale is located on a shaft arranged coaxially with said spring.
8 . The torque arm assembly of claim 6 wherein said scale is located in parallel to said strut.
9 . The torque arm assembly of claim 1 wherein said arm member includes a strut seat against which said second end of said strut reacts, said strut seat adjustable along an axis of said strut.
10 . The torque arm assembly of claim 1 wherein said second end of said strut is connected to said arm member intermediate said first and second ends of said arm member.
11 . A backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly, comprising:
a backstopping clutch comprising:
an inner race configured for connection to a driven shaft;
an outer race disposed radially outwardly of said inner race; and,
a plurality of rollers disposed between said inner and outer races, said plurality of rollers configured to engage said outer race and inhibit rotation of said inner race and said driven shaft in a first rotational direction; and,
a torque arm assembly, comprising:
a head member configured for connection to said outer race of said backstopping clutch, said head member defining first and second spaced attachment points;
an arm member configured for connection to a stationary structure proximate a first end of the arm member and pivotally connected to said first attachment point of said head member proximate a second end of said arm member; and,
a strut coupled at a first end to said second attachment point of said head member and at a second end to said arm member.
12 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a damper connected at one end to said head member and at a second end to said arm member.
13 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 12 wherein said damper is arranged substantially parallel to said strut.
14 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a distance between said head member and said arm member.
15 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 14 wherein said sensor comprises a linear voltage displacement transducer.
16 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a graduated load indicator scale disposed between said head member and said arm member.
17 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 16 wherein said strut comprises a spring and said scale is located on a shaft arranged coaxially with said spring.
18 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 16 wherein said scale is located in parallel to said strut.
19 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 11 wherein said arm member includes a strut seat against which said second end of said strut reacts, said damper seat adjustable along an axis of said strut.
20 . The backstopping clutch and torque arm assembly of claim 11 wherein said second end of said strut is connected to said arm member intermediate said first and second ends of said arm member.