Dual Connection Coupling for Industrial Work Vehicle Shafts

Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial work vehicles experience significant wear in shaft couplings due to static or dynamic misalignment, leading to premature replacement of shafts, especially when high torques are transmitted, as conventional couplings fail to accommodate misalignment and radial loads effectively.

Innovation Solution

A dual connection coupling system is implemented, featuring a spherical bearing to support radial loads and accommodate axial rotation and angular misalignment, while flange elements with spring plates transmit torque and allow for misalignment without inducing radial torque, thereby reducing wear on shafts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a conventional coupling is used to transmit high torques between shafts, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but significant wear occurs on the coupling and shafts due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidcoupling lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into two separate connections: a first connection (spline connection) for torque transmission and a second connection (universal joint) for misalignment accommodation. This segmentation allows each connection to specialize in its function, preventing the torque-transmitting spline connection from bearing radial loads that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a second connection dimension (universal joint) that operates independently from the primary torque transmission path. This additional dimensional freedom allows the system to accommodate misalignment without compromising the integrity of the spline connection teeth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coupling is designed to accommodate misalignment, then misalignment tolerance is improved, but the coupling becomes poor at supporting radial loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment accommodationVSAvoidradial load support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into two separate connections: a first connection (spline connection) for torque transmission and a second connection (universal joint) for misalignment accommodation. This segmentation allows each connection to specialize in its function, preventing the torque-transmitting spline connection from bearing radial loads that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The universal joint acts as an intermediary element between the two shafts, absorbing the misalignment and radial loads. This intermediary protects the spline connection from direct exposure to radial forces while still allowing torque transmission through the coupled shafts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If misalignment induces radial torque on the shafts, then the coupling can transmit torque, but the spline connection teeth wear off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidradial torque on shafts

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into two separate connections: a first connection (spline connection) for torque transmission and a second connection (universal joint) for misalignment accommodation. This segmentation allows each connection to specialize in its function, preventing the torque-transmitting spline connection from bearing radial loads that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful radial torque that would normally affect the spline connection into a beneficial arrangement where the universal joint absorbs these radial forces. The misalignment that previously caused wear is now accommodated by the universal joint, allowing the spline connection to focus solely on efficient torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 dual connection coupling system effectively supports radial loads and transmits high torques while minimizing wear, extending the lifespan of shafts by accommodating misalignment without inducing radial torque, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a fourth bearing adapted to support a radial load and to accommodate an axial rotation and an angular misalignment of one shaft with respect to the other shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpherical bearing mechanism: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

an intermediary element adapted to transmit a torque and to accommodate a misalignment of one shaft with respect to the other shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10578165B2Coupling

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

An industrial work vehicle including a frame and a first shaft rotatably connected to the frame via first and second bearings. The work vehicle further includes a second shaft rotatably positioned in line with the first shaft and connected to the first shaft via a coupling. The second shaft is further connected to the frame via a third bearing. The coupling includes a first connection and a second connection. The first connection connects the first shaft to the second shaft via a fourth bearing adapted to support a radial load and to accommodate an axial rotation and an angular misalignment of one shaft with respect to the other shaft. The second connection connects the first shaft to the second shaft via flange elements which are interconnected via an intermediary element adapted to transmit a torque and to accommodate a misalignment of one shaft with respect to the other shaft.