Axial Coupling Assembly Using a Perpendicular Retaining Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial couplings between mechanical parts are often complex, prone to errors, and require multiple external fastenings, making assembly and disassembly cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device utilizing a retaining element and securing element, where the securing element imparts a force perpendicular to the axial axis, enabling quick and reliable axial coupling with minimal components, and allowing for a compact design without external fastenings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional axial couplings are used, then reliable coupling is achieved, but device complexity increases and assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a coupling element with securing holes, a securing element for fastening, and a retaining element for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of axial coupling from complex traditional designs and implements it through a simplified retaining element that can be easily inserted and retained. The securing element is separately provided and inserted only when needed, removing unnecessary complexity from the basic coupling structure.
2Reliability
If multiple external fastenings are used, then secure connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates securing holes directly into its structure, allowing the securing element to be inserted through these holes to automatically fasten the coupling. This self-service design eliminates the need for external fastening operations, making assembly straightforward while ensuring secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing holes are merged into the coupling element itself rather than being separate components. This integration combines the functions of the coupling structure and the fastening interface into a single element, simplifying assembly operations while maintaining connection security.
3Strength
If multiple fastening components are used, then coupling strength is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is pre-formed with securing holes integrated into its structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need to create or locate fastening points during assembly, allowing workers to directly insert the securing element and complete the coupling quickly, thereby maintaining strength while improving productivity.
4Reliability
If traditional coupling designs are used, then axial coupling is achieved, but compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to be inserted through holes in the coupling element and engage with the retaining element, creating a nested arrangement where components fit within each other. This nesting minimizes the overall volume required for the coupling device while ensuring reliable axial coupling through the interconnected components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a coupling device (1) for providing an axial coupling between a first portion (2) and a second portion (5) that are arrangeable coaxially along an axial axis. The coupling device (1) comprises the first portion (2), a retaining element (10) and at least one securing hole (12) configured to receive a securing element (14). The coupling device (12) is configured to enable the securing element (14) to impart a force perpendicular to the axial axis onto the retaining element (10) when inserted into the securing hole (14). Thus, the retaining element (10) engages with the first portion (2) and the second portion (5) to provide the axial coupling. The present disclosure further relates to a planetary gearset (32) with such a coupling device (1) and a method for assembling such a coupling device (1).