Elastomeric Coupling Clamp Ring Flange Torsional Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric couplings face challenges in efficiently achieving desired torsional stiffness characteristics, requiring modifications to molds or elastomer compounds for different applications, which complicates the manufacturing process and changeover between production runs.
Innovation Solution
The use of clamp rings with flange portions of varying geometry, which can be embedded or bonded within the elastomeric center element, allows for selectable torsional stiffness without modifying the mold or elastomer, enabling faster changeover between production runs by simply swapping clamp ring styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If modifications are made to molds or elastomer compounds to achieve different torsional stiffness characteristics, then the desired torsional stiffness is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and changeover between production runs is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into separate functional components: the elastomeric center element and the clamp ring with flange portions. The flange portions are separate elements that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the center element, allowing different flange geometries to be produced using the same mold without requiring mold modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal mold can produce multiple types of clamp rings with different flange geometries by simply changing the clamp ring style being manufactured, not the mold itself. This makes the manufacturing system universal and adaptable to different torsional stiffness requirements without increasing device complexity.
2Strength
If modifications are made to molds or elastomer compounds to achieve different torsional stiffness characteristics, then the desired torsional stiffness is achieved, but changeover between production runs takes more time
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling into the center element and separate flange portions (clamp rings), the system allows quick changeover by simply swapping clamp ring styles rather than reconfiguring molds or elastomer compounds. This reduces changeover time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different clamp ring styles with various flange geometries are pre-manufactured using the same universal mold. These pre-made clamp rings are then readily available for assembly with the center element, eliminating the need for time-consuming mold reconfiguration during changeover.
3Productivity
If a single mold is used to produce different torsional stiffness characteristics by changing clamp ring styles, then changeover is faster, but the coupling design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design is segmented into modular components (center element and clamp ring) where the variable flange geometry is isolated to the clamp ring portion. This segmentation allows the overall coupling design to remain relatively simple while enabling productivity through easy style swapping.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling transmits torque between shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis. The coupling has a center axis approximately aligned with the shaft axis and a center element formed from an elastomer material. The center element has first and second axial sides. A clamp ring extends axially from each side of the center element along the coupling center axis. The clamp rings may include slots for fasteners for mounting the coupling to shaft hubs. The clamp ring has a flange portion embedded within the center element. Each clamp ring flange portion extends substantially away from the coupling center axis within the center element. An amount of extension away from the coupling center axis is selected to provide the coupling with a desired torsional stiffness characteristic. In accordance with a method, the coupling is formed by selecting the flange portions that will provide the coupling with a desired torsional stiffness characteristic.