Multi-Clip Drive Coupler Insert for Shaft Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of a single spring clip to secure the motor shaft to the drive coupler in blenders can cause misalignment between the motor shaft and blender shaft, leading to diminished performance and premature part failure.

Innovation Solution

A coupler assembly with a insert comprising a core and a plurality of clips, each with a spring tab, that securely engages with the motor shaft, maintaining alignment through symmetrically arranged clips and a cap portion with a stem for close-fitted engagement, allowing easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single spring clip is used to secure the motor shaft to the drive coupler, then the drive coupler can be easily and quickly removed and attached, but misalignment between the motor shaft and blender shaft occurs causing diminished performance and premature part failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single spring clip is segmented into multiple spring clips (typically three) arranged symmetrically around the motor shaft. Each clip independently engages with the shaft, distributing the securing force evenly and maintaining proper alignment while still allowing easy assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each spring clip is positioned at a specific location around the motor shaft, creating localized engagement points. This distributed local engagement ensures the shaft remains centered and aligned while the clips collectively provide the securing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple clips are used to maintain alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple spring clips are merged into a single integrated insert component that is molded as one piece. This combining of multiple functional elements into a single manufactured part maintains alignment precision while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing the number of separate components to assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the spring clips, provides structural support, maintains alignment, and facilitates easy assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms and simplifies the overall coupler design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 coupler assembly ensures proper alignment between the motor and blender shafts, enhancing performance and extending the lifespan of the parts by preventing misalignment and facilitating easy attachment and removal.

Implementation Method 1

each clip comprising a clip body and a spring tab... each clip having a spring-like quality

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9500235B2Clip insert for drive coupler

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 VITA MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

AI summary

A coupler assembly is shown and described. The coupler assembly may include an insert, where the insert comprises an aperture and a plurality of clips, each clip comprising a clip body and a spring tab. The coupler assembly may also include a coupler body having a core adapted to receive the insert.