Patent Description:
The present invention relates to torque limiting assemblies, wherein a torque limiter can provide an interference fit between parts of an assembly, in which a first part has a cylindrical portion located in a cylindrical bore of a second part. In particular, the present invention relates to torque limiting assemblies that provide a limited interference fit between a cylindrical component such as a shaft and an outer component installed around the shaft.

A torque limiter generally includes a slip member installed around a shaft. Another member can be installed around the slip member and can engage the inner wall of a bore. The shaft and the component formed with the bore can rotate together until a torque limit exceeded. When the torque limit is exceeded, the shaft can slip within the slip member.

<CIT> describes a bearing assembly. An elastic element is a mounting formed as a shaped tube. The tube comprises in section alternatively concave and convex portions. In use a shaft is inserted into the opening of the bearing pushing the bearing outwards. At the same time the elastic element, in the form of shaped tube, and in particular the convex portions, between the bearing and a housing is compressed and acts to push the bearing back towards the shaft. <CIT> shows an expansion compensating bearing that rotatably supports a shaft. The bearing includes a substantially cylindrical bearing sleeve made of nylon engaging the outer surface of the shaft. An annular space between the outer cylindrical surface of the nylon sleeve and the inner surface of a casing or housing is occupied by a single outer expansion compensating member. The member can be made of a spring material, such as spring steel. In the operation of the expansion compensating bearing, the rotation of the shaft generates heat of friction and this causes the nylon sleeve bearing member to expand because of its relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. The thermal expansion compensating member yields resiliently a sufficient amount to absorb the expansion of the nylon bearing sleeve and leave free rotation between the shaft and the bearing.

The industry continues to need improvements in torque limiting assemblies that can allow limiting angular movement between a shaft and a component installed on the shaft.

The present invention can be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

The following description is directed to torque limiting assemblies that can be installed within an air conditioner compressor assembly between a compressor shaft and a bore formed in a compressor pulley. In one aspect, a torque limiting assembly can be fitted around the compressor shaft and then, the compressor pulley can be installed around the torque limiting assembly. Alternatively, the torque limiting assembly can be inserted into the bore formed in the pulley and the compressor shaft can be inserted through the torque limiting tolerance ring.

In a typical installation, the torque limiting assembly can provide a limited interference fit between an inner and an outer component. As such, the inner and outer components can be statically coupled and can rotate together. If a torque between the inner and outer components becomes greater than the force of the interference fit, the inner and outer components can rotate with respect to each other. When the torque between the inner and outer components falls below the force of the interference fit, the two parts can re-engage each other.

A torque limiting tolerance ring according to one or more of the embodiments described herein includes a bearing having a metal substrate and a bearing material disposed thereon. A tolerance ring can surround the bearing and can include a plurality of projections that can extend radially outward from the body of the tolerance ring. The torque limiting assembly can be installed over an inner component, e.g., a shaft or within a bore formed in an outer component, e.g., a pulley. If an operating torque exceeds a threshold the shaft can move with respect to the pulley and slip within the bearing.

Referring initially to <FIG>, a torque limiting assembly is shown and is generally designated <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the torque limiting assembly <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the torque limiting assembly <NUM> includes a bearing <NUM> having a generally cylindrical body <NUM>. The body <NUM> can include a sidewall <NUM> that can include a first axial end <NUM> and a second axial end <NUM>. A gap <NUM>, e.g., a first gap, can be formed in the sidewall <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The gap <NUM> can extend along the entire axial length of the sidewall <NUM> of the body <NUM> to form a split in the bearing <NUM>.

In a particular aspect, as shown in <FIG>, the bearing <NUM> includes a laminate having a substrate <NUM> and a polymer layer <NUM>. According to the invention, the substrate <NUM> comprises a metal. The bearing <NUM> is emrbe shaped into a cylinder as shown and can include an inner shaft contact surface <NUM>. The inner shaft contact surface <NUM> comprises the polymer layer <NUM>. In a particular aspect, the laminate can include a laminate of a fluoropolymer over a metal substrate. The fluoropolymer can be adhered to the substrate using mechanical adhesion or lamination with a fluoropolymer hot melt adhesive. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluoropolymer can include, for example, PTFE, and the substrate can include, for example, aluminum, steel, bronze, copper or alloys thereof. In particular embodiments, the laminate can be essentially free of lead.

In a particular aspect, the polymer layer <NUM> can include one or more fillers such as graphite, glass, aromatic polyester (EKONOL®), bronze, zinc, boron nitride, carbon and/or polyimide. Moreover, in one aspect, the polymer layer <NUM> can include both graphite and polyester fillers. Concentrations of each of these fillers in a polymer such as PTFE may be greater than <NUM>%, greater than <NUM>%, greater than <NUM>%, greater than <NUM>% or greater than <NUM>% by weight. Additional layers, such as a bronze mesh between the metal and the fluoropolymer, or embedded in the fluoropolymer, can also be used.

Examples of such materials can include the NORGLIDE® line of products available from Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Inc. Suitable examples of NORGLIDE products include NORGLIDE PRO, M, SM, T and SMTL. In another aspect, the bearing <NUM> can include a self lubricating metal bearing material.

In a particular aspect, a thickness of the polymer layer <NUM> on the bearing <NUM> can vary around the circumference of the bearing <NUM>. In another aspect, the polymer layer <NUM> can be substantially uniform on the substrate <NUM>. In a particular aspect, the polymer layer <NUM> can have a thickness, TPL, and TPL can be ≥ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM>. Moreover, TPL can be ≤ <NUM>, such as ≤ <NUM>, or ≤ <NUM>. In this aspect, TPL can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values of TPL described herein.

For example, TPL can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Further, TPL can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Further still, TPL can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Even further, TPL can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>.

In another aspect, the substrate <NUM> can have a thickness, TM, and TM can be ≥ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM>. Moreover, TM can be ≤ <NUM>, such as ≤ <NUM>, or ≤ <NUM>. In this aspect, TM can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values of TM described herein. For example, TM can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Moreover, TM can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Additionally, TM can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Further, TM can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the bearing <NUM> can include a first flange <NUM> extending from the first axial end <NUM> of the bearing <NUM> and a second flange <NUM> extending from the second axial end <NUM>. Each flange <NUM>, <NUM> can include a first portion <NUM> that can extend radially outward from the first or second axial end <NUM>, <NUM> of the bearing <NUM>, e.g., away from a center of the bearing <NUM>. Further, each flange <NUM>, <NUM> can include a second portion <NUM> that can extend axially in a direction parallel to a center axis <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the torque limiting assembly <NUM>. In a particular aspect, the first flange <NUM> can include a first tolerance ring pocket <NUM> formed around the first axial end <NUM> of the bearing <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> can include a second tolerance ring pocket <NUM> formed around the second axial end <NUM> of the bearing <NUM>.

The torque limiting assembly <NUM> further includes a tolerance ring <NUM> which can be installed around and engaged with the bearing <NUM>. The tolerance ring <NUM> can include a generally cylindrical body <NUM> that can include a sidewall <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> can include a first axial end <NUM> and a second axial end <NUM>. Further, the sidewall <NUM> can include an unfinished portion <NUM> and a plurality of projections <NUM> can extend radially from the unfinished portion <NUM>, e.g., radially outward.

In another aspect, as shown in <FIG>, the bearing <NUM> can be installed around the tolerance ring <NUM> such that the contact surface <NUM> is an outer contact surface and the tolerance ring <NUM> can have projections <NUM> that extend radially inward.

In either aspect, i.e., the projections <NUM> extend radially inward or radially outward, each projection <NUM> can extend from the unformed portion <NUM> and each projection <NUM> can be surrounded by the unformed portion <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM>.

As indicated in <FIG>, the tolerance ring <NUM> can include a gap <NUM>, e.g., a second gap, formed in the sidewall <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM>. The gap <NUM> can extend along the entire axial length of the sidewall <NUM> to form a split in the tolerance ring <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, the tolerance ring <NUM> is installed on the bearing <NUM> so that the first axial end <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM> fits into the first tolerance ring pocket <NUM> formed on the first axial end <NUM> of the bearing <NUM> and the second axial end <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM> fits into the second tolerance ring pocket <NUM> formed on the second axial end <NUM> of the bearing <NUM>. Moreover, the unformed portion <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM> can engage the metal substrate <NUM> of the bearing <NUM>.

As depicted, the tolerance ring <NUM> is axially affixed between the first and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM> of the bearing <NUM>. Moreover, the first axial end <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM> can be engaged with, or abut, the first portion <NUM> of the first flange <NUM> on the bearing <NUM> and the second axial end <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM> can be engaged with, or abut, the first portion <NUM> of the second flange <NUM> on the bearing <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the first flange <NUM> can be folded over the first axial end <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the second flange <NUM> can be folded over the second axial end <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM>.

In a particular aspect, the axial ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM> can be affixed to the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> of the bearing <NUM>. For example, each one of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> can be crimped onto a respective axial end <NUM>, <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM>. Moreover, each flange <NUM>, <NUM> can be welded to a respective axial end <NUM>, <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the gap <NUM> formed in the bearing <NUM> can be located in a circumferential location, CL1, measured from a reference axis <NUM> passing through the center of the torque limiting assembly <NUM> and bisecting the torque limiting assembly <NUM>. CL1 can be within a range between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In another aspect, CL1 can be essentially <NUM>°.

As illustrated, the gap <NUM> formed in the tolerance ring <NUM> can be located in a circumferential location, CL2, measured from the reference axis <NUM>. In particular embodiments, CL2 can be within a range between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or between and including <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In another aspect, CL2 can be essentially <NUM>°.

Further, the gap <NUM> and the gap <NUM> can be diametrically opposed. In other words, the gap <NUM> and the gap <NUM> can lie essentially along a line passing through a center of the torque limiting assembly <NUM> on opposite sides of the torque limiting assembly <NUM>.

In a particular aspect, the bearing <NUM> can include an overall thickness, TB, and the tolerance ring can comprise an overall thickness, TT, as measured by a maximum thickness (e.g., from the tolerance ring sidewall to the apex of the projections <NUM>). In this aspect, TB can be ≥ <NUM>% TT, such as ≥ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT, or ≥ <NUM>% TT. Further, TB can be ≤ <NUM>% TT, such as ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≤ <NUM>% TT, or ≤ <NUM>% TT. In another aspect, TB can be within a range between and including any of maximum and minimum values of TB described above.

For example, TB can be ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, such as ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, or ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT. TB can be ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, such as ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, or ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT. TB can be ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, such as ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, or ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT. TB can be ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, such as ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, or ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT. Moreover, TB can be ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, such as ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT, or ≥ <NUM>% TT and ≤ <NUM>% TT.

In another aspect, the polymer layer <NUM> can have a thickness, TPL, and the tolerance ring <NUM> can include a sidewall thickness, TSW, as measured through an unformed portion <NUM> of the tolerance ring <NUM>. TPL can be ≥ <NUM>% TSW, such as ≥ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW, or ≥ <NUM>% TSW. Further, TPL can be ≤ <NUM>% TSW, such as ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≤ <NUM>% TSW, or ≤ <NUM>% TSW. In another aspect, TPL can be within a range between and including any of the maximum or minimum values of TPL described herein.

For example, TPL can be ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, such as ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, or ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW. TPL can be ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, such as ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, or ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW. TPL can be ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, such as ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, or ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW. TPL can be ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, such as ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, or ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW. TPL can be ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, such as ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, or ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW. Further, TPL can be ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, such as ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW, or ≥ <NUM>% TSW and ≤ <NUM>% TSW.

<FIG> shows the torque limiting assembly <NUM> deployed in a rotating assembly <NUM>. The rotating assembly <NUM> includes an inner component <NUM> and an outer component <NUM>. The torque limiting assembly <NUM> is configured to be installed there between. During use, if a threshold torque, T, is exceeded the inner component <NUM> can slip within the bearing <NUM> of the torque limiting assembly <NUM>. Otherwise, the inner component <NUM> can remain statically coupled to the outer component <NUM>. When installed in compression between the inner component <NUM> and the outer component <NUM>, the radial forces provided by the projections <NUM> formed on the tolerance ring <NUM> can provide a substantial normal force on the outer component <NUM>. The normal forces provided by the tolerance ring <NUM> can provide a clamping force that can overcome the relatively low friction between the bearing <NUM> and the inner component <NUM> and can essentially increase the static friction, FS, or traction between the bearing <NUM> and the inner component <NUM>. However, the dynamic friction, FD, between the bearing <NUM> and inner component <NUM> can remain substantially lower than FS and if the torque, T, between the inner and outer components <NUM>, <NUM> exceeds a threshold, the inner component <NUM> can begin to slip within the torque limiting assembly <NUM>. As the inner component <NUM> slips the relatively low dynamic friction FD will further promote slipping and will allow the shaft to rotate relatively easily within the torque limiting assembly <NUM>. Thereafter, if the torque is reduced the normal forces can overcome the relatively low FD and act as a brake on the inner component <NUM> until the FD is completely overcome and FS is reinstated.

In a particular aspect, FS can be ≥ FD, such as ≥ <NUM> FD, ≥ <NUM> FD, or ≥ <NUM> FD. In another aspect, FS can be ≤ <NUM> FD, such as ≤ <NUM> FD, ≤ <NUM> FD, or ≤ <NUM> FD. FS can be within a range between and including any of the values of FS described herein. For example, FS can be ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, such as ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, or ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD. FS can be ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, such as ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, or ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD. FS can be ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, such as ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD, or ≥ <NUM> FD and ≤ <NUM> FD.

The radial forces depend greatly on the wall thickness of the tolerance ring <NUM>. As the wall thickness is increased and the radial force spring rate increases the thickness of the polymer layer <NUM> on the bearing can be increased.

Accordingly, the torque limiting assembly <NUM> can be used in relatively high torque applications, e.g., greater than <NUM>,<NUM> revolutions per minute (RPM), and can substantially minimize variations in the torque by allowing the shaft to slip at even higher torques that can occur in such application.

In a particular aspect, the rotating assembly <NUM> can be an air conditioner compressor assembly, e.g., a belt driven air conditioner compressor assembly for a motor vehicle. Further, in this particular aspect, the inner component <NUM> can be a compressor shaft extending from an air conditioner compressor and the outer component <NUM> can be a compressor pulley installed around the compressor shaft. A drive belt (not shown) can extend at least partially around the outer circumference of the compressor pulley.

As the belt moves, the compressor pulley can rotate. In the engaged configuration, with the compressor shaft statically coupled to the compressor pulley, the compressor shaft can also rotate. In the event of a failure within the air compressor, e.g., a bearing seizure, and the compressor shaft can seize within the air compressor and stop rotating. If the shaft seizes, a torque within the compressor shaft/compressor pulley assembly can exceed a threshold torque and the shaft can rotate within the bearing without damaging the pulley.

Accordingly, as the torque remains above the threshold value, the bearing <NUM> can allow the shaft to rotate therein without risk of serious damage. As such, the risk of damage to the drive belt, the compressor pulley, or other components driving the belt or being driven by the drive belt, can be substantially reduced.

In a particular aspect, the tolerance ring portion <NUM> of the torque limiting assembly <NUM> can be made from a metal, a metal alloy, or a combination thereof. The metal can include a ferrous metal. Further, the metal can include steel. The steel can include stainless steel, such as austenitic stainless steel. Moreover, the steel can include stainless steel comprising chrome, nickel, or a combination thereof. For example, the steel can X10CrNi18-<NUM> stainless steel. Further, the tolerance ring can include a Vickers pyramid number hardness, VPN, which can be ≥ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM>. VPN can also be ≤ <NUM>, ≤ <NUM>, or ≤ <NUM>. VPN can also be within a range between, and including, any of the VPN values described herein. In another aspect, the tolerance ring can be treated to increase its corrosion resistance. In particular, the tolerance ring can be passivated. For example, the tolerance ring can be passivated according to the ASTM standard A967.

In another aspect, the stock material from which the tolerance ring can be formed can have a thickness, t, and t can be ≥ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM>. In another aspect, t can be ≤ <NUM>, such as ≤ <NUM>, or ≤ <NUM>. Moreover, t can be within a range between, and including, any of the maximum and minimum values of t disclosed above.

For example, t can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Further, t can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. In another aspect, t can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Moreover, t can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. In addition, t can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>.

The tolerance ring according to any of the aspects described herein may have an overall outer diameter, OD, and OD can be ≥ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM>. The OD can be ≤ <NUM>, such as ≤ <NUM>, ≤ <NUM>, ≤ <NUM>, ≤ <NUM>, or ≤ <NUM>. OD can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values of OD described herein.

For example, OD can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. OD can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. OD can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Further, OD can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Additionally, OD can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>.

In another aspect, the tolerance ring can have an overall axial length, L, and L can be ≥ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM>. Additionally, L can be ≤ <NUM>, such as ≤ <NUM>, ≤ <NUM>, or ≤ <NUM>. Moreover, L can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values of L described above.

For example, L can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Further, L can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM> mm, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Still further, L can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>.

In another aspect, each projection can have a radial height, HR, and HR can be ≥ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, ≥ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM>. HR can also be ≤ <NUM>, such as ≤ <NUM>, or ≤ <NUM>. HR can also be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum vales of HR described herein.

For example, HR can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Further, HR can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. HR can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. Moreover, HR can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>. In addition, HR can be ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, such as ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>, or ≥ <NUM> and ≤ <NUM>.

A skilled artisan can recognize that there may be others applications that can utilize a torque limiting tolerance ring having one or more of the characteristics described herein.

Claim 1:
A torque limiting assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a generally cylindrical bearing (<NUM>); and
a tolerance ring (<NUM>), wherein the tolerance ring is disposed around the generally cylindrical bearing or the generally cylindrical bearing is installed around the tolerance ring,
wherein the torque limiting assembly is configured to be installed between an inner component (<NUM>) and an outer component (<NUM>), wherein the torque limiting assembly is configured to rotatably couple the inner and the outer components, and
wherein the torque limiting assembly is configured to rotate with respect to at least one of the inner and outer components when a threshold torque, T, is exceeded, wherein the generally cylindrical bearing comprises a substrate (<NUM>) and a polymer layer (<NUM>) disposed on the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a metal, wherein the generally cylindrical bearing comprises a contact surface (<NUM>) comprising the polymer layer (<NUM>), wherein the contact surface is an inner contact surface or an outer contact surface.