Coupling Apparatus Tubular Wall Damper Deformation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing coupling apparatuses for transmitting rotating forces between rotary shafts face challenges in controlling the diameter of the accommodating hole, which can lead to deformation of buffering teeth and interference with lubricating agents, affecting the smooth transmission of rotational forces.

Innovation Solution

The coupling apparatus features a first and second coupling member with a tubular circumferential wall surrounding the damper member, which compresses and limits the radially outward deformation of the damper member, preventing contact with the accommodating hole's inner surface and maintaining the integrity of lubricating agents, thus ensuring smooth force transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the diameter of the accommodating hole is enlarged to prevent buffering teeth contact, then the buffering teeth can protrude radially outward without contact, but the lubricating agent may pass through and intrude into the motor portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of buffering teeth contactVSAvoidlubricating agent intrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The accommodating hole is segmented into two distinct parts: a first accommodating hole with a larger diameter that allows buffering teeth protrusion, and a second accommodating hole with a smaller diameter that prevents lubricating agent intrusion. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each part to serve its specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the accommodating hole structure are given different diameters and functions. The first accommodating hole has a larger diameter for buffering teeth accommodation, while the second accommodating hole has a smaller diameter for lubricating agent containment. This local quality differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the diameter of the accommodating hole is reduced to prevent lubricating agent intrusion, then the lubricating agent is contained, but the buffering teeth may contact the inner circumferential surface and hinder rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of lubricating agent intrusionVSAvoidsmooth rotation transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The accommodating hole is divided into two segments with different diameters. The first segment has a larger diameter to accommodate buffering teeth protrusion without contact, while the second segment has a smaller diameter to contain the lubricating agent. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the accommodating hole structure are assigned different functional qualities: one portion with larger diameter for mechanical clearance and another portion with smaller diameter for fluid containment. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction between mechanical clearance and fluid containment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the buffering teeth are made more elastic to absorb deflection, then the deflection and eccentricity are better absorbed, but the buffering teeth may deform and protrude radially outward causing contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption of deflection and eccentricityVSAvoidprevention of buffering teeth contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The accommodating hole is segmented into two parts with different diameters. The first part with larger diameter accommodates the radially protruding buffering teeth, allowing them to maintain high elasticity for deflection absorption without causing contact interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution addresses the radial protrusion issue by creating a dimensional difference in the accommodating hole structure. The first accommodating hole provides radial clearance for the elastic buffering teeth, while the second accommodating hole maintains the necessary containment, effectively managing the elastic deformation in a different dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design allows for precise control of the accommodating hole diameter, prevents rotation defects, and enhances coupling strength, reducing the risk of lubricant intrusion and maintaining the durability of components, ensuring smooth operation of the wiper motor device.

Implementation Method 1

The damper member made of a rubber is arranged between the first coupling member coupled to the rotary shaft, and the second coupling member coupled to the worm shaft. The damper member absorbs a deflection and an eccentricity between the rotary shaft and the worm shaft.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first arms and the second arms compress the buffering teeth in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, there is a risk that the buffering teeth having elasticity are deformed, protrudes radially outward than the first arms and are in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating hole.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS7670228B2Coupling apparatus, motor device, and wiper motor device
Publication Date: 2010.03.02 DENSO CORP
  • US7670228B2 patent drawing
  • US7670228B2 patent drawing
  • US7670228B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A coupling apparatus is provided with a first coupling member, a second coupling member and a damper member. The damper member is arranged between the first coupling member and the second coupling member. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member has a tubular circumferential wall surrounding the outer circumference of the damper member. Accordingly, it is easy to control the diameter of an accommodating hole accommodating the coupling apparatus.