Axial-Toothing Coupling for High Torque in Compact Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices have a limited permissible torque transfer due to their design, which restricts their efficiency in applications requiring high torque transmission with a small radial extent and short length.
Innovation Solution
The coupling device features radially circumferential third and fourth axial toothing pairs, axially aligned with the first and second toothing pairs, allowing engagement in a second switching position to double the transmittable torque while maintaining a small outer diameter and length, with deposits on tooth flanks distributing load and preventing overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single axial toothing pair is used in the coupling device, then the structure remains simple and compact, but the permissible transmittable torque is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into multiple independent axial toothing pairs (first, second, third, and fourth toothings) arranged along the axial direction. Each toothing pair can engage independently, allowing the total torque capacity to be the sum of individual toothing contributions. This segmentation enables high torque transmission without requiring a single complex oversized toothing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the radial size of a single toothing pair to handle higher torque, the invention extends the solution into the axial dimension by stacking multiple toothing pairs axially. The coupling device utilizes the axial direction as an additional dimension for torque capacity enhancement, maintaining a compact radial profile while achieving high torque transmission through multi-layered axial engagement.
2Force
If multiple axial toothing pairs are added to increase torque capacity, then the transmittable torque increases, but the axial length and overall device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple axial toothings are nested within a compact axial space through overlapping engagement zones. The first and second toothings engage at one axial position while the third and fourth toothings engage at another position, with their structures interlaced rather than sequentially arranged. This nesting allows multiple toothing pairs to share axial space, reducing the overall axial length compared to a linear arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft and sleeve structures are merged to accommodate multiple axial toothings in an integrated manner. The shaft includes both first and third toothings while the sleeve includes corresponding second and fourth toothings, with all components working together in a unified structure. This merging allows the coupling device to achieve high torque capacity without requiring separate modular units that would increase overall length.
3Length of moving object
If the axial distance between first and third toothings is reduced to shorten the device, then the overall length decreases, but the engagement reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Each axial toothing pair is designed with locally optimized tooth geometry and engagement characteristics suitable for its specific position and load conditions. The first and second toothings may have different tooth profiles compared to the third and fourth toothings, allowing each local engagement zone to be optimized for reliability while maintaining compact overall dimensions. This local quality approach ensures that reduced axial spacing does not compromise the engagement reliability of individual toothing pairs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device comprising a shaft 1 having a radially circumferential first axial toothing 3 and a sleeve 6 having a corresponding radially circumferential second axial toothing 9, wherein the shaft 1 and sleeve 6 are arranged coaxially to each other rotatably about an axis 2, and wherein the shaft 1 or sleeve 6 is axially movable by an adjustment path 16 for the engagement of the radially circumferential first axial toothing 3 of the shaft 1 with the radially circumferential second axial toothing 9 of the sleeve 6 and for the disengagement of the radially circumferential first axial toothing 3 of the shaft 1 from the radially circumferential second axial toothing 9 of the sleeve 6. The shaft 1 has a radially circumferential third axial toothing 5 at an axial distance 4 from the radially circumferential first axial toothing 3.wherein the teeth of the radially circumferential first toothing 3 and the radially circumferential third toothing 5 are axially aligned with each other and the sleeve 6 has a radially circumferential fourth axial toothing 7 at the same axial distance 8 to the radially circumferential second axial toothing 9 and the teeth of the radially circumferential second axial toothing 9 and the radially circumferential fourth axial toothing 7 are axially aligned with each other, wherein the axial distance 4 between the radially circumferential first and third axial toothing 3, 5 corresponds at least to the width of the radially circumferential fourth axial toothing 7 and wherein in a first switching position all toothings are disengaged from each other and in a second switching position the radially circumferential first axial toothing 3 is engaged in the radially circumferential second axial toothing 9 and the radially circumferential third axial toothing 5 is engaged in the radially circumferential fourth axial toothing 7.