Clamping Ring Coupling for Balanced Planetary Gear Input Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connections for planetary gears on the fast-rotating input side lack effective balancing and high connection torque with minimal mass, especially when implementing a non-positive clamping mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A connection featuring a shaft partially inserted into a hollow shaft with a clamping ring that includes radially spaced bores and a chamfer, allowing for balanced structure formation with the screw part, where the radial bores provide balancing mass and reduce the ring part's overall mass, enabling high connection torque with minimal effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a clamping ring is used to create a non-positive connection on the fast-rotating input side of a planetary gear, then high connection torque can be achieved, but the ring part has high mass which creates imbalance and reduces operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection torqueVSAvoidring part mass
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the ring part by introducing radial bores that extend partially through its thickness. This parameter change reduces the mass of the ring part while maintaining its structural integrity and clamping function, thereby reducing imbalance on the fast-rotating input side while preserving high connection torque capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry by positioning the radial bores at specific locations and angles within the ring part. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the distribution of remaining mass to minimize imbalance while maintaining effective clamping force, allowing the ring part to achieve both reduced mass and balanced operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Loss of energy

If the ring part mass is reduced to minimize imbalance, then operational efficiency improves, but the connection torque capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidconnection torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the parameters of the radial bores including their diameter, depth, and angular positioning to achieve the optimal balance between mass reduction and torque transmission. By carefully controlling these parameters, the ring part maintains sufficient mass and structural strength to transmit high connection torque while minimizing overall mass for reduced imbalance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structural approach by combining the ring part with the hollow shaft and shaft assembly into an integrated connection system. This composite structure allows the ring part to be lighter while the overall assembly maintains high connection torque capability through the combined mechanical interaction of all components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If radial bores are introduced into the ring part for balancing, then the mass distribution is optimized, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass balanceVSAvoidring part structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ring part structure by introducing radial bores that divide the ring part into distinct sections. This segmentation allows for optimized mass distribution and balancing while maintaining the overall integrity of the ring part. The bores create a segmented structure that is easier to manufacture and balance compared to a solid ring part

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radial bores serve multiple functions simultaneously: they reduce mass for better balancing, provide pathways for weight removal during manufacturing, and can accommodate balancing weights or adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing structural complexity while achieving mass balance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves balanced and high-torque connections with reduced mass, allowing for efficient clamping on the rapidly rotating input side of planetary gears, enhancing the structural integrity and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the ring part has a chamfer, in particular on its inside and/or on its ring opening and/or in particular on its axial end region facing the collar, such that the inner diameter of the ring part in that of the chamfer covered axial area is larger than the inside diameter in that axial area in which the ring part touches the hollow shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChamfer geometry: Geometry

Implementation Method 2

one of the radial bores is designed as a threaded bore into which a screw part, in particular a grub screw and/or a set screw, is screwed, which presses on the hollow shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the non-positive connection can be effectively implemented by tightening the screw part and thus causing the ring part to shrink onto the hollow shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the ring part is axially delimited by a collar formed on the hollow shaft, in particular projecting radially

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 5

the hollow shaft from the Bund has slots spaced apart, in particular axial slots

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructural geometry: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3642504B1Coupling comprising a shaft at least partially inserted in a hollow shaft and a hub placed on the hollow shaft and a planetary gear
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3642504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642504B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3642504B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Coupling comprising a shaft inserted at least partially into a hollow shaft and a ring slipped onto the hollow shaft, in particular a clamping ring, and a planetary gearset, wherein the ring is axially delimited by a collar formed on the shaft, in particular a radially protruding collar, and/or the ring abuts a collar or the shaft collar, in particular a collar formed on the shaft, in particular a radially protruding collar, the hollow shaft having slits spaced apart from the collar, in particular axial slits, the ring comprising a chamfer, in particular on its inner face and/or at its annular opening and/or in particular in its axial end region facing the collar, such that the inner diameter of the ring in the axial region covered by the chamfer is greater than the inner diameter in the axial region in which the ring contacts the hollow shaft, and radial bores are produced in the ring around the outer periphery of the ring.