Tool-Free Metrological Coupling for Anemometer Rotor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical coupling devices for metrological rotary devices, such as anemometers, face issues with non-preferred axial positioning, excessive inertial resistance, and the need for tools to lock and unlock, which can cause damage and compromise data accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A novel axial coupling arrangement using a biasing element, such as a resilient or magnetic member, to move a locking element between locked and unlocked positions under gravity, allowing for tool-free locking and unlocking of a shaft within a bore, ensuring axial alignment and balanced torque transmission without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collet is used to attach metrological devices, then the coupling is easy to use, but the axial positioning is non-preferred and torque application depends on operator judgement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically moves to the locked position when the shaft is inserted, utilizing the insertion motion itself to activate the locking mechanism without requiring separate manual intervention or tool assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The manual torque application and positioning control is replaced by a mechanical field-based locking element that automatically engages with the shaft's engagement portion through gravitational or elastic forces
2Strength
If a chuck is used to attach metrological devices, then the coupling is strong, but the device is large and provides substantial inertial resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional elements: a locking element for securing, a biasing element for actuation, and a minimal structural body, allowing each component to be optimized independently for strength and low mass
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from heavy metallic chucks to a design utilizing elastic or magnetic fields for locking, fundamentally changing the physical parameters of the coupling elements to achieve high strength with minimal mass
3Reliability
If a prior art mechanical coupling is used, then the coupling can be locked, but the coupling is not balanced about the central axis which compromises data accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and engagement features are designed with asymmetric geometries that naturally align with the central axis during insertion, ensuring automatic balancing without requiring symmetric construction of the entire coupling device
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism creates a gravitational or elastic potential energy minimum when the shaft is correctly positioned on the central axis, providing a self-balancing effect that ensures accurate metrological alignment
4Reliability
If excessive force is applied to lock the shaft, then the coupling is secure, but damage occurs to the sliding surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element is pre-configured to provide controlled elastic or magnetic forces that gradually engage the locking element with the shaft, cushioning the engagement process and preventing impact or excessive force from damaging the sliding surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from direct mechanical force application to field-based interaction (elastic or magnetic), changing the force application parameters to achieve secure locking without high-contact forces that could damage surfaces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple, tool-free locking and unlocking of anemometer components, maintaining data accuracy and reducing maintenance complexity, especially in outdoor meteorological applications where vertical and horizontal orientations are required.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member, movable between a non-compressed stable state and a compressed state
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic element, operable to urge two axially arranged elements apart in a first magnetic state and in a second magnetic state
Implementation Method 3
whereby to enable or to actuate movement of the locking element between first and second stable states
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to metrological rotary devices, such as anemometers and the like. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanical coupling for the same, whereby an anemometer cup-rotor or like device, can be replaced without the use of a tool. The present invention seeks to provide a coupling device which makes a mechanical coupling between a first and a second member such that the locking together and release action is positive, without likelihood of failure, and can be conducted simply and quickly without the use of a tool. Further objects of the invention are to provide couplings in which a positive axial and rotational location of shaft as first member and mating bore in a second member are obtained which do not cause damage to either of the sliding surfaces when excessive force is applied, and which are capable of transmitting a torque, such couplings being suitable for attaching a rotor to an anemometer. In particular, the present invention provides a coupling arrangement for an anemometer rotating body comprising impellor cups, which impellor cups and rotating body are required for removable fitment, ideally without the use of tools.