Axially Aligned Coupling Geometry for Rotation and Motion Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplings, especially simple unitary ones, lack strength and adaptability when interfacing with assemblies, particularly with materials like plastics and carbon fibers, and often require supplemental components like sleeves or adapters for proper alignment and movement control.
Innovation Solution
A single unitary coupling body with integral portions and end caps, featuring complex concave polygon shapes to constrain movement and a cylindrical center for rotational articulation, eliminates the need for metal sleeves and allows for cost-effective manufacturing, enhancing strength and adaptability by constraining linear motion while enabling rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple unitary couplings are used, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but strength and adaptability when interfacing with assemblies deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is divided into distinct functional portions: a center portion for rotational articulation, first and second integrally connected portions for preventing linear/rotational movement, and an end cap joined to either portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity and strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple unitary couplings are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability and strength when interfacing with plastics and carbon fibers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design provides multi-functionality by enabling both rotational articulation and prevention of linear/rotational movement within a single unitary structure. This universal design allows the coupling to interface with various materials including plastics and carbon fibers without requiring supplemental sleeves, bushings, or adapters, thereby maintaining material compatibility across different applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional couplings with many elements are used, then functional capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components are merged into a single coupling body: the center portion enables rotational articulation, the integrally connected first and second portions prevent linear and rotational movement, and the end cap provides structural closure. This consolidation maintains full functional capability while eliminating the need for supplemental sleeves, bushings, or adapters.
4Ease of operation
If conventional couplings are used, then movement control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the coupling body have specialized geometries tailored to specific movement control requirements: the center portion has a geometry optimized for rotational articulation, while the first and second integrally connected portions have geometries designed to prevent linear and rotational movement. This local optimization of geometry provides precise movement control without requiring complex overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling with distinct portions formed as a unitary structure and a fastener placed at one end of the coupling both provided to constrain assembly components and control their relative motion linearly along and rotationally around a longitudinal center axis is presented. The coupling portions are composed of complex concave polygon or circular shapes whose normal section is determined by the manner in which the adjacent assembly components are required, alternately, to move or not move. Specific geometric constraints for the various coupling portions must be met. Various coupling embodiments may result from differing fastening elements including screw, friction fit and bonded types being attached to the coupling body piece.