Compensating Coupling With Backup Torque Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compensating couplings in drive trains, particularly in maritime applications, face safety concerns regarding torque transmission and are vulnerable to failure, which can impair vessel manoeuvrability if the main coupling device fails.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary coupling device made of fibre-reinforced plastic is designed to engage and transmit torque in case of main coupling device failure, while remaining disengaged during normal operation to allow the main device to handle displacements and torque transmission, and is protected by a fire-resistant layer and segmented design for ease of assembly and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary coupling device is added to provide backup torque transmission, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary coupling device is integrated with the main coupling device by positioning it concentrically around the membrane, allowing both coupling devices to share the same space and mounting structure. This merging approach enables backup torque transmission capability while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary coupling device is nested around the main coupling device's membrane, with the auxiliary coupling members arranged concentrically. This nesting configuration allows the auxiliary device to be compact and integrated without significantly increasing the overall coupling size or complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the auxiliary coupling device remains disengaged during normal operation, then the main coupling device can show its full potential for displacement compensation, but torque transmission capability is reduced in case of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary coupling device is pre-positioned and ready to engage automatically upon failure of the main coupling device. The protrusions and openings are arranged so that when the membrane fails, the auxiliary coupling members immediately engage without requiring external intervention, ensuring continuous torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary coupling device serves as a pre-prepared backup system that activates automatically when the main coupling device fails. This beforehand preparation ensures that torque transmission is maintained without interruption, providing a safety net for the drive train.
3Weight of moving object
If the auxiliary coupling device is made of fibre-reinforced plastic to keep weight low, then weight is reduced, but fire resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary coupling members are made of fibre-reinforced plastic, combining strength and lightweight properties. Additionally, a fire-resistant fibre-reinforced layer is laminated on the outer circumference, creating a composite structure that provides both weight reduction and fire protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-resistant layer is applied specifically on the outer circumference of the auxiliary coupling members, providing fire protection where it is most needed while maintaining the lightweight fibre-reinforced plastic construction throughout the entire auxiliary coupling device.
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 auxiliary coupling device ensures continuous torque transmission and maintains vessel manoeuvrability by engaging only when the main coupling fails, while protecting the main device from damage and enhancing reliability through a fire-resistant and segmented design.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is usually arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and on the one hand sufficiently stiff for transmitting torque but on the other hand flexible enough to deform elastically thereby providing the desired compensating effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A compensating coupling (1) for connecting two rotating elements (2, 3) of a drive train, comprising: a main coupling device (10) configured to be connected to each of said rotating elements (2, 3) and including at least one membrane (11) made of fibre-reinforced plastic for transmitting torque and for compensating axial and/or radial and/or angular displacement between said rotating elements (2, 3), and an auxiliary coupling device (20) having a first auxiliary coupling member (21) configured to be connected to one of said two rotating elements (2) and a second auxiliary coupling member (22) configured to be coupled to the other of said two rotating elements (3), the first auxiliary coupling member (21) and the second auxiliary coupling member (22) being arranged around the outer radial circumference of the first coupling device (10). The first auxiliary coupling member (21) has projections (23) extending axially into openings (24) provided on the second auxiliary coupling member (22) such that in a first position the projections (23) and openings (24) are disengaged thereby disabling torque transmission via the auxiliary coupling device (20), and in a second position, obtained through rotation of the first and second auxiliary coupling members (21, 22) relative to each other, the projections (23) and openings (24) engage in circumferential direction for enabling torque transmission via the auxiliary coupling device (20).