Dog Clutch Coupling with Sliding Bearing for 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 coupling, leading to potential misalignment and power transmission issues.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pair of dog clutch members, each pivotably mounted in a casing, with an intermediate bearing slidably mounted in a second casing, allowing for elastic preload and alignment of the shafts for secure engagement.
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 becomes complex and alignment is difficult, leading to potential misalignment and power transmission issues
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate dog clutch members (first and second), each mounted on different shafts. This segmentation allows independent positioning and alignment of each member, simplifying the overall coupling system while ensuring reliable power transmission through the interlocking teeth of the complementary clutch members.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate bearing acts as a mediator between the first and second dog clutch members. It provides a mounting surface for the second clutch member and enables precise alignment through its sliding mechanism, thereby ensuring proper engagement without requiring a complex direct coupling system.
2Ease of operation
If manual coupling is performed, then coupling can be achieved, but the operator must leave the driving station, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates self-aligning features through the sliding intermediate bearing and complementary dog clutch member geometry. When the shafts are brought into proximity, the components automatically align and engage through their interlocking teeth, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing the operator to remain at the driving station.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated engagement mechanism. The elastic prestressing means and sliding bearing create a self-actuating system that achieves coupling through controlled mechanical movement, substituting human physical intervention with an automated mechanical process.
3Strength
If rigid coupling is used to ensure firm connection, then power transmission is secure, but misalignment can cause mechanical breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system incorporates dynamic elements including the sliding intermediate bearing and elastic prestressing means. These components allow the rigid dog clutch members to maintain strong interlocking engagement while accommodating alignment variations through controlled movement, preventing mechanical breakage while ensuring secure power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic prestressing means applies a controlled force parameter to the intermediate bearing, creating a preloaded condition that ensures firm engagement of the dog clutch teeth. This parameter change allows the system to maintain strong connection while the sliding mechanism accommodates positional variations, balancing connection strength with misalignment tolerance.
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 solution enables semi-automatic coupling of shafts with improved alignment and secure engagement, ensuring perfect power transmission and simplifying the coupling process while reducing the risk of mechanical breakage.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate bearing being elastically prestressed in the direction of the first casing
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).