Dog Clutch Coupling With Elastic Preload for Semi-Automatic Shaft Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coupling a driven shaft to a driving shaft in agricultural implements and tractors are complex and lack efficient semi-automatic alignment, leading to potential mechanical breakage and incomplete power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising pivotable dog clutch members with elastic preload and conical centering mechanisms allows for end-to-end coupling of shafts, ensuring proper alignment and engagement without direct mechanical contact, facilitated by sliding conical surfaces and delay means to prevent premature contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing coupling systems are used to connect driven shaft to driving shaft, then coupling can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and alignment precision deteriorates leading to potential mechanical breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate dog clutch members (first and second) that can be independently positioned and aligned. Each member is mounted on a separate shaft, allowing independent alignment adjustments without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate alignment mechanism using conical surfaces and elastic elements that mediate between the two shafts. This intermediary system facilitates precise alignment and controlled engagement of the dog clutch members without direct complex mechanical contact.
2Power
If direct mechanical contact is used for shaft coupling, then power transmission can be achieved, but alignment precision deteriorates and mechanical breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment action through conical surfaces that guide and center the two shafts before the dog clutch members engage. This preliminary positioning ensures precise alignment is achieved prior to power transmission engagement, preventing misalignment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic elements are incorporated to provide cushioning and compensation for minor misalignments before full engagement occurs. This beforehand cushioning protects against mechanical breakage by absorbing shock and accommodating dimensional variations.
3Reliability
If semi-automatic coupling is implemented, then operator safety improves, but coupling speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates self-aligning conical surfaces and elastic elements that automatically position the dog clutch members correctly during engagement. This self-service alignment reduces the need for manual intervention and complex control systems, maintaining coupling speed while ensuring safety.
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
Enables safe, semi-automatic coupling and complete power transmission between shafts, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and allowing operators to hitch implements without leaving their station.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate bearing is elastically prestressed in the direction of the first casing
Implementation Method 2
the first casing to carry a first conical surface facing the second casing, for the second casing to carry a second conical surface facing the first casing, the two conical surfaces being of complementary shapes so as to achieve an alignment of the two shafts
Data Source
AI summary
Device for coupling two shafts end-to-end, comprising a pair of dog clutch members (16, 28).Each dog clutch member is configured so as to be able to be secured to an end of a shaft to be coupled, and the two dog clutch members (16, 28) have complementary shapes.A first dog clutch member (16) is pivotably mounted in a first casing (6).A second dog clutch member (28) is pivotably mounted in an intermediate bearing (8).The intermediate bearing (8) is slidably mounted in a second casing (10) assumed to be fixed, the intermediate bearing (8) being able to slide relative to the second casing (10) in a direction parallel to the two shafts to be coupled, termed the longitudinal direction.The intermediate bearing (8) is elastically prestressed in the direction of the first casing (6).