Axial Shaft Coupling via Annular Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Axial misalignment between rotating shafts leads to undesired loading, potentially causing damage and failure in the shafts and associated components, necessitating a solution to maintain axial alignment during torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A shaft coupling system with an annular mounting housing and bearings that restrict radial motion while allowing rotation, ensuring axial alignment and direct torque transfer between shafts, which are often mounted on a common platform to prevent unwanted loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If shafts are coupled end-to-end for torque transmission, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but axial misalignment induces undesired loading that can cause damage and failure
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling device is introduced as an intermediary component between two shafts to transmit torque while accommodating and correcting axial misalignment. The coupling device includes correction mechanisms that actively compensate for misalignment, preventing undesired loading on the shafts and associated components while maintaining efficient power transfer
2Power
If misaligned shafts are coupled together, then torque can be transmitted between shafts, but loading cycles cause damage and failure of shafts and components
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates preliminary correction mechanisms that actively counteract axial misalignment before torque transmission begins. By pre-positioning the shafts in proper alignment and continuously correcting deviations during operation, the system prevents undesired loading cycles that would otherwise compromise the strength and integrity of the shafts and associated components
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
The solution effectively reduces axial misalignment, preventing damage and failure by ensuring precise alignment and direct power transfer without intermediate elements, thus enhancing reliability and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an annular mounting housing that is positioned around a juncture of two rotational shafts with bearings positioned between the shafts and the housing so that the housing prevents radial motion of the shafts while allowing the shafts to rotate about their common axis
Implementation Method 2
with bearings positioned between the shafts and the housing so that the housing prevents radial motion of the shafts while allowing the shafts to rotate about their common axis
Implementation Method 3
the two shafts can have about the same diameter and be linked via a torque coupler within an annular mounting housing that allows rotation of the shafts but limits radial motion of the shafts
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed systems couple two rotational shafts in axial alignment with each other such that torque can be transferred between the shafts without undesired loading occurring. A shaft coupling system can include an annular mounting housing positioned around a juncture of two rotational shafts with bearings positioned between the shafts and the housing so that the housing prevents radial motion of the shafts while allowing the shafts to rotate about their common axis. One shaft can be coupled to an engine and the other shaft can be coupled to a shaft-driven device such as a hydraulic pump. One shaft can be smaller in diameter and piloted into a recess in the end of the other shaft. In some embodiments, the two shafts have about the same diameter and are linked via a torque coupler within an annular mounting housing that allows rotation but limits radial motion of the shafts.