Clamping Ring Assembly for Secure Adapter Shaft Contraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-positive connections between shafts and adapter shafts lack security and ease of implementation, particularly in applications requiring mechanical contraction for secure attachment.

Innovation Solution

A clamping ring with a radially continuous threaded bore and insert rings is used, where the insert rings have radially inwardly projecting nose portions that engage with axial and transverse slots on the adapter shaft, allowing for mechanical contraction and secure attachment without additional special means, and can be easily produced using plastic injection molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clamping ring is used to connect an adapter shaft to a shaft, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the clamping ring: the ring itself provides clamping force, while integrated axial slots and transverse slots create the shrinking mechanism. The insert ring with nose portions engages with these slots to form a captive device, eliminating the need for separate securing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert ring is nested within the clamping ring, with the nose portions of the insert ring engaging into the slots of the adapter shaft through the clamping ring structure. This nested arrangement creates a compact captive device that secures the adapter shaft without requiring additional external components, thus improving reliability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If axial slots are made in the adapter shaft to enable elastic deflection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter shaft is segmented by introducing axial slots that divide the shaft wall into sections. These slots allow the shaft to deflect elastically when the clamping ring is tightened, enabling easier operation and assembly. The segmentation creates controlled weak points that facilitate the required deformation without compromising overall structural integrity, balancing ease of operation with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a captive device is formed using insert rings with nose portions, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the securing function into the insert ring design, where the nose portions of the insert ring engage with the axial slots of the adapter shaft. This integration creates a captive device that prevents the insert ring from becoming loose, improving reliability. The design is manufactured as a single plastic injection molded part, which actually simplifies production by eliminating the need for separate securing components and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If multiple axial slots are regularly spaced apart, then the elasticity of the adapter shaft is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveelasticityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple axial slots are regularly spaced around the adapter shaft circumference, creating uniform segments that allow controlled elastic deflection. This segmentation distributes the deformation evenly, enhancing the overall elasticity and performance of the adapter shaft. The regular spacing provides predictable mechanical behavior while remaining manufacturable through standard machining or molding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axial slots are positioned at specific locations around the adapter shaft where local elastic deflection is most beneficial. By concentrating the slots at strategic positions rather than uniformly distributing them, the design optimizes elasticity where needed while reducing manufacturing complexity in other areas, balancing performance requirements with manufacturing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 provides a secure, captive non-positive connection that is easy to implement and requires minimal additional components, enhancing the security and elasticity of the adapter shaft's attachment to a hollow shaft area, allowing for simple and quick connection and deformation without wave formation.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded pin (2), in particular a screw, which is screwed into the threaded bore (40) and presses on the adapter shaft (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the adapter shaft (1) can be deflected elastically and thus pressed against the hollow shaft as soon as the threaded pin presses on the adapter shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3679261B1Assembly for connecting an adapter shaft to a shaft in a force-fitting manner using a clamping ring
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3679261B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3679261B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3679261B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly for connecting an adapter shaft (1) to a shaft in a force-fitting manner using a clamping ring (4), wherein • the clamping ring is plugged onto the adapter shaft, • the shaft is inserted into the adapter shaft, • the clamping ring has a radially continuous threaded bore into which a screw part, in particular a threaded pin (2), is screwed, said screw part being pressed onto the adapter shaft, • at least one insert ring (3) is inserted into and/or is at least partly received in an annular groove introduced into the clamping ring, in particular into an annular groove introduced into the inner wall of the clamping ring, i.e. into the hollow side in particular, and • the insert ring or each insert ring has a nose region which protrude radially inwards and which at least partly protrudes into a slot of the adapter shaft.