Composite Diaphragm Coupling With Offset Recesses for Short Axial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement compensating couplings in drive trains face challenges in maximizing axial displacement compensation without increasing torque transmission or material usage, particularly in applications with limited axial space where assembly and disassembly are complex and space-constrained.
Innovation Solution
The coupling design incorporates recesses in the coupling members that allow for reduced axial length while maintaining compensation potential, with offset recesses in the operational mode enhancing torsional stiffness and buckling safety, and a method for assembly that minimizes the need for additional space during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the coupling is designed with conventional solid tube portions, then torsional stiffness and buckling safety are maintained, but the axial length increases and compensation potential per unit length decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members incorporate axially extending recesses in their tube portions, creating a porous-like structure with alternating recessed and non-recessed circumferential regions. This reduces the axial length required for the same compensation potential while maintaining structural integrity through the strategically positioned non-recessed portions that provide necessary stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are made from fibre composite material, allowing the integration of recesses without compromising overall strength. The composite structure enables localized material removal (recesses) while maintaining global mechanical properties through the anisotropic characteristics of fibre composites.
2Reliability
If recesses are introduced in coupling members to reduce axial length, then compensation potential per unit length improves, but torsional stiffness and buckling safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tube portions feature locally differentiated properties with alternating recessed and non-recessed circumferential regions. The non-recessed portions provide localized stiffness and strength, while the recessed portions reduce overall axial length, creating a non-uniform structure optimized for both compensation potential and mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube portions are segmented into multiple circumferential regions alternating between recessed and non-recessed zones. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve flexibility for displacement compensation while maintaining localized rigidity where needed for torsional stiffness and buckling resistance.
3Quantity of substance
If the coupling members are made from fibre composite material, then weight and material usage are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are manufactured from fibre composite material, which reduces material usage and weight compared to conventional metals. The composite material allows for integrated formation of complex geometries including the recessed patterns, potentially reducing assembly steps despite increased molding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses and flange portions are pre-formed as integral features of the coupling members during composite manufacturing, rather than being added as separate components. This preliminary action reduces the number of assembly operations required, offsetting the increased manufacturing complexity of the composite material itself.
4Ease of operation
If the first flange of the second coupling member is accessed from the rear side, then assembly is possible, but sufficient axial space must be provided reducing the distance between diaphragm portions
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses in the tube portions create radial and circumferential access paths that allow bolts to reach the first flange of the second coupling member from directions other than the rear axial side. This dimensional change in access approach eliminates the need for additional axial space, preserving the distance between diaphragm portions for maximum compensation capability.
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 design achieves a better ratio of compensation potential to axial length with high torsional stiffness and buckling safety, enabling efficient mounting and dismounting in limited spaces without relocating drive elements or support structures, while maintaining torque transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
During rotation of the drive shaft the diaphragm portions of the coupling members deform elastically thereby providing the desired effect
Data Source
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AI summary
A displacement compensating coupling (1) comprises a first coupling member (4), a second coupling member (5) and connecting elements (6) for connecting the first and second coupling members (4, 5). The coupling members (4, 5) are each made in one piece from composite material and have a first flange portion (4a, 5a) for attachment to one of the drive elements (2, 3), a diaphragm portion (4b, 5b) that extends radially outwardly from the first flange portion (4a, 5a), a second flange portion (4c, 5c) and a tube portion (4d, 5d) extending from an outer circumference of the diaphragm portion (4b, 5b) to the second flange portion (4c, 5c). Each of the tube portions (4d, 5d) has two or more recesses (4f, 5f) that are spaced from each other in circumferential direction by non-recessed portions (4g, 5g). In a first relative position of the first coupling member (4) and the second coupling member (5), representing an assembly mode, the recesses (4f) of the first coupling member (4) face the recesses (5f) of the second coupling member (5) so as to form together apertures for access to an interior (14) of the coupling (1). In a second relative position, representing the operational mode, the recesses (4f, 5f) of the first coupling member (4) and of the second coupling member (5) are offset in circumferential direction and face the non-recessed portions (4g, 5g), respectively. The coupling (1) provides a high compensation potential in relation to its axial length without impairing torque transmission or increasing material usage. It has a high buckling safety and high torsional stiffness.