Abstract
A torque protection apparatus comprising: a gearbox coupled to an axle; an output ring with first and second planar disc surfaces coupled to the gearbox output; an outer body surrounding these components; an output adaptor attached to the outer body; an inner body within the outer body; a first clutch friction plate between the output adaptor and first planar disc surface; fluid in a chamber between the inner body and outer body; and a hydraulic pressure mechanism. The pressurized fluid pushes the inner body toward the output ring, pressing the output ring against the clutch friction plate. This creates friction causing the outer body to rotate with the axle until rotational torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, at which point the clutch friction plate slides against the disc surface, protecting the gearbox from excessive torque.