Coupling Bushing Assembly with Decoupled Axial and Angular Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling bushings with modular head and sealing parts have limited flexibility in the number of tangential angular positions due to the design of locking elements, which are fragile and limit the number of angular adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Decouple the axially secured state from the tangential locking mechanism, allowing for smaller angular adjusting elements and a larger number of angular positions, such as 8, 10, or 12, by using a separate locking element that is independent of the angular position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If locking elements with detent lugs are used to provide angular positions, then axial securing is achieved, but the number of tangential angular positions is limited due to fragility of the locking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate functional components: a locking element for axial securing and angular adjusting elements for tangential positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the locking element can be robust and simple while the angular adjusting elements can be numerous and delicate without compromising axial security.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial locking function is extracted from the angular positioning function. The locking element handles axial securing while separate angular adjusting elements (such as ribs or protrusions) handle tangential positioning. This extraction allows the angular adjusting elements to be designed without the constraint of needing to provide axial locking, enabling a greater number of angular positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If locking elements are designed to provide both axial securing and tangential locking, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the number of angular positions remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a locking element for axial security and separate angular adjusting elements for tangential positioning. While this increases the number of components, each element remains structurally simple, with the overall system achieving greater functionality without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves its primary axial securing function while the separate angular adjusting elements provide the tangential positioning function. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve both axial security and multiple angular positions without requiring a single complex mechanism to perform both functions simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling bushing comprises a bushing body and a retainer. The bushing body (2) has a head (8) and a sealing part (9). The head (8) and the sealing part (9) are manufactured separately and connected to each other at an angular position in the circumferential direction. The coupling bushing (1) includes a locking element (7) for connecting the head (8) and the sealing part (9). The locking element (7) defines an axially secured state in which the head (8) and the sealing part (9) are axially secured to each other by the locking element (7). The coupling bushing (1) is designed such that the creation of the axially secured state is spatially and/or temporally decoupled from any tangential securing of the connection between the head (8) and the sealing part (9).