Bellows Flexible Coupling With Torque Teeth for Low Conical Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible couplings in aeronautics face challenges in achieving low conical rigidity while maintaining torque strength, leading to limitations in shaft speed and dynamic behavior, with existing couplings being non-axisymmetric and requiring complex assembly, which complicates balancing and increases mass.
Innovation Solution
A flexible coupling system comprising a cylindrical outer body with radially inner teeth and a cylindrical inner body with radially outer teeth, connected by gussets for flexibility, allowing for adjustable conical rigidity and torque transmission without assembly elements, enabling low mass and fine balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible coupling is made more supple to reduce conical rigidity, then the misalignment management improves, but the torque transmission strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling is segmented into multiple thin lamellae (at least three) that can independently deflect. This segmentation allows the coupling to achieve suppleness through the coordinated bending of individual lamellae while maintaining overall structural integrity for torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling uses composite construction with lamellae made of materials having different mechanical properties. The lamellae are arranged in a stack with alternating orientations, creating a composite structure that provides both flexibility for misalignment compensation and sufficient strength for torque transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible coupling uses a stack of thin lamellae to achieve suppleness, then the conical rigidity reduces, but the mass increases due to numerous assembly elements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into the lamellae structure itself. The lamellae simultaneously provide flexibility, torque transmission, and structural support, eliminating the need for separate assembly elements like screws for fixing lamellae and coupling with shafts. This integration significantly reduces the total mass of the coupling assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary assembly elements from the traditional flexible coupling design. By using a monolithic or integrally constructed lamellae stack, the patent removes screws, fasteners, and other joining components, thereby reducing mass while maintaining structural functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible coupling uses a stack of thin lamellae with fixing screws, then the suppleness is achieved, but the balancing precision deteriorates due to non-axisymmetric mass distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally introduces controlled asymmetry in the form of balancing masses or counterweights on the lamellae stack. These asymmetric elements are strategically positioned to compensate for the non-axisymmetric mass distribution inherent in the lamellae structure, enabling fine balancing and high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flexible coupling are given different properties: the lamellae are made uniform and precise for flexibility, while specific locations are equipped with balancing masses or adjusted mass distributions to achieve axisymmetric mass distribution overall. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of suppleness and balancing precision.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible coupling is designed with numerous assembly elements for fixing lamellae, then the structural integrity improves, but the mass cantilevered on shafts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing elements are merged with the lamellae structure itself. The lamellae are designed to be self-supporting through their geometric configuration and material properties, eliminating the need for separate screws and fasteners. This merging maintains structural integrity while dramatically reducing the mass of assembly elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes traditional assembly elements such as screws, nuts, and fasteners from the flexible coupling design. By using a monolithic or integrally constructed lamellae stack, the patent eliminates these heavy components while maintaining structural integrity through the inherent strength and geometry of the lamellae structure.
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 system achieves balanced torque transmission and adjustable conical rigidity, enhancing the dynamic behavior and speed of rotating shafts by distributing stress and reducing mass, while being simple to set up and adaptable.
Implementation Method 1
a bellows (16) extending between the driving portion and the driven portion
Implementation Method 2
at least a first tooth (15), fixed on the radially inner face... at least a second tooth (22) fixed on said radially outer face... configured to come into contact when a torque is applied
Implementation Method 3
The first tooth (15) and the second tooth (22) are configured to come into contact when a torque is applied to the first end (11) of the outer body (10) in order to transmit said torque
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible coupling for coupling a first shaft and a second shaft includes a first body and a second body. The first body includes a first end to be fixed to the first shaft, a second end to be fixed to the second shaft and a first tooth, fixed to the radially inner face. The second body is secured to the first body, and has a radially outer face and a second tooth fixed to the radially outer face. The first tooth and the second tooth come into contact when a torque is applied to the first end of the first body so as to transmit the torque to the second end of the first body by the intermediary of the second body.