Drive Coupling Selective Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disconnect couplings in mechanical drives, particularly in pump applications, are expensive and result in mechanical losses due to their design, which is not efficient for applications requiring selective engagement and disengagement, especially for cold starting and managing multiple loads.
Innovation Solution
A drive coupling system with interlocking components that translate along their center of rotation, allowing for two arrangements: one for torque transmission and another for no significant torque transmission, utilizing a combination of mechanical and fluid-actuated biasing devices for selective engagement and disengagement, positioned between the power source and load to facilitate efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If disconnect couplings are used in pump applications, then selective engagement and disengagement is enabled, but the device becomes expensive and incurs mechanical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple clutch plates (first clutch plate, second clutch plate, third clutch plate) that can independently engage and disengage. This segmentation allows selective torque transmission while simplifying the overall mechanism compared to traditional disconnect couplings
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch plates are designed to dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states through axial movement. The first clutch plate can move axially to engage or disengage from the second clutch plate, enabling selective torque transmission without complex control mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If traditional clutch designs are used for disconnect couplings, then torque transmission can be controlled, but mechanical losses increase and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical clutch mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the clutch plates create magnetic fields that enable torque transmission without direct mechanical contact, eliminating friction losses and reducing maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the clutch plates to transmit torque. The magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator that transfers rotational force from the drive shaft to the driven component without mechanical contact, reducing wear and energy loss
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the invention, a drive coupling for connecting to a drive is provided. The drive coupling is adapted to removably couple a load to a power source. The drive coupling includes a body and a plurality of components. The components are operably interconnected with each other. The components have a first arrangement in which the components transmit torque from the power source to the load and a second arrangement in which the components transmit no significant torque from the power source to the load. A first of the plurality of components is adapted to translate along its center of rotation relative to a second of the plurality of components from a first position in which the components define the first arrangement to a second position in which the components define the second arrangement.