Patent attributes
A torque limiting tool is described. The tool comprises a torque limiting mechanism that drives a shank about a rotational axis. The torque limiting mechanism comprises a plurality of opposed first and second gears having a plurality of outwardly extending first and second gear prongs. The plurality of first and second gear prongs extends outwardly at an inclined angle along an intermediate prong portion from a prong proximal end positioned along the disc sidewall surface to a prong distal portion. Each of the prong distal portions comprises a plateau portion that extends about parallel with the disc sidewall surface and resides at a distance away from the sidewall surface of the respective first and second discs. The mechanism is constructed such that toque is transferred therebetween when the respective intermediate portions of the opposed first and second prongs are in physical contact. When an upper torque limit is exceeded, either of the respective first and second prongs deflect, thus causing the other of the first or second prong to ride along the deflected ramp surface of the intermediate prong portion until the first and second prongs disengage.
