Drive Shaft Tubular Deformations for Misalignment Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive shafts lack sufficient flexibility to accommodate misalignment between the input and output, leading to potential mechanical stress and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A drive shaft with a tubular portion and deformations such as grooves or detents extending less than 180° around the central axis, providing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single tubular member with flexible diaphragms or 360° grooves is used, then flexibility is provided, but structural integrity and strength are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing deformations (grooves or bumps) only in specific circumferential regions (less than 180°) rather than uniformly around the entire shaft. This localized approach allows flexibility to be introduced only where needed to accommodate misalignment, while the remaining portions of the tubular member maintain their full structural integrity and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible diaphragms are added to accommodate misalignment, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment accommodationVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the flexibility function directly into the tubular member itself by forming deformations (grooves or bumps) as integral features of the shaft. This eliminates the need for separate flexible diaphragms or other auxiliary components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If 360° grooves are used to provide flexibility, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies manufacturing by limiting the deformations to less than 180° circumferential extent rather than requiring 360° grooves. This localized deformation approach reduces the complexity of forming operations, tooling requirements, and material removal, making the manufacturing process more economical while still providing sufficient flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12253107B2Drive shafts with enhanced bending flexibility

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A drive shaft has a tubular portion extending between axial ends and is hollow. There are deformations on the tubular portions. The deformations extend for a circumferential extent that is less than 180° about a central axis of the tubular portion.