Compensating Coupling for Parallel Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compensating couplings, such as Oldham couplings, face challenges in manufacturing efficiency, installation space requirements, and moments of inertia, particularly in electrically operated actuating devices, where they need to accommodate parallel and angular misalignment effectively.

Innovation Solution

A compensating coupling with a pot-shaped annular body featuring coupling sections with parallel surfaces, including pairs of lugs and collars, allows for torque transmission and limited tilting, eliminating the need for separate drive elements and enabling compensation of misalignments through elastic properties and geometric design, with low moments of inertia and a simple assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional Oldham coupling is used, then parallel misalignment can be compensated, but manufacturing complexity and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel misalignment compensationVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the compensating element with drive elements into a single integrated coupling structure. The compensating element features coupling sections with parallel coupling surfaces that directly engage with machine elements, eliminating the need for separate Oldham coupling disks and drive elements. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to compensate for parallel misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compensating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque between machine elements, compensates for parallel misalignment through its articulated connection, and provides drive functionality through its coupling sections. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional Oldham coupling is used, then parallel misalignment can be compensated, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel misalignment compensationVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the compensating element with drive elements into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the overall volume required for installation. The coupling sections with parallel coupling surfaces are formed directly on the compensating element, eliminating the space that would be occupied by separate coupling disks and drive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional Oldham coupling is used, then parallel misalignment can be compensated, but moments of inertia increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel misalignment compensationVSAvoidmoments of inertia

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of compensating and drive functions into a single element reduces the total mass of moving parts. By eliminating separate Oldham coupling disks and drive elements, the patent reduces the moments of inertia, which is particularly beneficial for applications requiring rapid acceleration or deceleration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Power

If separate drive elements are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the compensating element with drive elements into a single integrated structure. The coupling sections with parallel coupling surfaces directly transmit torque between machine elements while the compensating element simultaneously compensates for misalignment. This eliminates the need for separate drive elements, reducing component count while maintaining torque transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compensating element is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits torque through its coupling sections, compensates for parallel misalignment through articulated connection, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate components, simplifying the device while maintaining power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10781862B2Compensating coupling

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a compensating coupling comprising a coupling element arranged between a first machine element and a second machine element as a torque-transmitting component. The coupling element has an annular body and on each of the end faces of which a coupling section for torque-transmitting interaction with one of the machine parts is formed, wherein each coupling section has two coupling surfaces parallel to each other. All coupling surfaces of both coupling sections are parallel to each other, and at least one of the coupling sections is designed as a pair of lugs.