Drive Shaft Coupling Mechanism for Agricultural Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for agricultural equipment are costly to manufacture due to the need for custom metal casting and can become loose over time, leading to power loss and potential safety hazards from free-spinning shafts.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device comprising a single-piece motor shaft hub, a two-piece input shaft hub, and an elastomeric puck with outwardly extending arms, which reduces material usage and incorporates self-locking fasteners to prevent separation under stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard prior art couplers use two-piece collars with fasteners, then the coupling can accommodate shaft connections, but the fasteners may become loose over time under vibrations, permitting the shaft to spin freely within the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate collar halves into a single monolithic coupling body. This eliminates the fasteners that connect the halves, thereby removing the risk of fastener loosening under vibration while maintaining the structural integrity needed for reliable shaft coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the fastener components from the coupling system. By eliminating the fasteners that connect collar halves, the design removes the source of reliability issues related to fastener loosening, while the single-piece construction provides inherent structural stability.
2Strength
If metal collar components are made sturdy and rugged for agricultural use, then the coupling can withstand high torque and harsh environments, but a comparatively large amount of material is required, increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining a metal monolithic body with elastomeric dampening elements. This allows the metal portion to provide structural strength for torque transmission while the elastomeric materials provide shock absorption and flexibility, reducing the need for excessive metal material and lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the coupling. The metal monolithic body provides structural strength where needed for torque transmission, while elastomeric materials are applied locally for dampening and flexibility, optimizing material usage and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom metal casting is used for each collar half, then the coupling can be precisely fitted to specific drive shaft sizes and shapes, but the manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the monolithic coupling body with universal adaptability to accommodate various shaft sizes and shapes through standardized mounting interfaces and adjustable elastomeric elements. This eliminates the need for custom casting for each specific shaft configuration, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precise fit through the single-piece construction.
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 lowers production costs and enhances torque transmission while preventing axial rotation, ensuring secure and reliable power transfer in harsh agricultural environments.
Implementation Method 1
The dampening puck absorbs shock that could be transferred between the two collars and permits a degree of flexibility between the interconnected drive shafts
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric puck is generally formed of rubber or other shock absorbing material such as polyurethane
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line coupling device for a motor driven agricultural system utilizes less metal components while optimizing torque transfer. The device comprises a puck having a plurality of outwardly extending arms, a first shaft hub having outwardly extending flanges adapted to seat between a pair of the plurality of outwardly extending arms, and a second shaft hub having outwardly extending flanges adapted to seat between a pair of the outwardly extending arms.