Composite Sliding Layer for Torsional Coupling Friction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sliding bolts and bearings often fail to provide optimal sliding properties on their outer surfaces, particularly in applications where traditional bearing solutions are not feasible, such as in torsion plug-in couplings, leading to increased friction and potential detachment under load.

Innovation Solution

A sliding bolt design featuring a composite sliding layer embedded in a resin, incorporating polyester fibers or PTFE, with optional solid lubricants like graphite, applied around a core to enhance adhesion and reduce friction, and potentially including an intermediate layer for improved mechanical properties and stability, along with conductive inserts for electrical connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional sliding bolt or bearing is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sliding properties on the outer surface are insufficient leading to increased friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding propertiesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by embedding polyester fibers and solid lubricants (PTFE, graphite) in a resin matrix to form a sliding layer on the outer surface of the sliding bolt. This composite structure combines the strength of fibers, the lubrication properties of solid lubricants, and the binding capability of resin, achieving low friction and high reliability without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying the composite sliding layer only on the outer surface of the sliding bolt where friction occurs, while the core remains as a separate material. This allows the sliding surface to have optimized lubrication properties without changing the entire bolt structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving sliding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a sliding layer is applied to reduce friction, then friction is reduced, but the sliding layer may detach under torsional loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction reductionVSAvoidattachment strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The composite material structure with fibers embedded in resin provides both friction reduction and attachment strength. The polyester fibers reinforce the sliding layer to prevent detachment, while solid lubricants reduce friction. This dual-function composite material simultaneously addresses both requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sliding layer by selecting specific materials with appropriate properties: polyester fibers for tensile strength, PTFE/graphite for low friction coefficient, and resin for adhesion. These parameter selections ensure the sliding layer remains attached under torsional loads while maintaining low friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If solid lubricants are embedded in the sliding layer, then friction is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The solid lubricants (PTFE, graphite) are pre-mixed with polyester fibers and resin to form a ready-to-apply composite sliding layer material. This preliminary preparation allows the sliding layer to be manufactured as an integrated component rather than applying lubricants separately, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring consistent lubrication performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 composite sliding layer provides reduced friction and increased stability, preventing detachment under torsional loads, while the conductive elements enable electrical connections, extending the service life of plug-in couplings by minimizing heat generation and maintaining low friction.

Implementation Method 1

a fiber composite material is always combined with a solid lubricant such as PTFE or graphite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

PTFE, which are embedded in the resin, are preferably provided in the sliding layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Implementation Method 3

the sliding layer is designed as a composite sliding layer and embedded in a resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 4

Provision is made for the core to be roughened before it is wound with a fiber material of a fiber composite material in order to increase adhesion between the core and the overlay

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3504451B1Slide pin and key type coupling with slide pin
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 FEDERAL MOGUL DEVA
  • EP3504451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3504451B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3504451B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a sliding bolt having a core (4) to which a sliding layer (6) is applied, which is designed as a composite sliding layer containing a resin.