Elastic Coupling Claw Rings with Bearing Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic couplings with claw rings and elastomer elements are prone to damage under overload and require time-consuming maintenance, as the elastomer rings need to be replaced by removing the shaft.
Innovation Solution
The claw rings are rotatably mounted on a bearing sleeve via roller bearings, protecting the elastomer elements from shear stresses and allowing for easy maintenance by mounting the claw rings via bearings, which prevents elastomer ring damage and enables replacement without disassembling the shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomer rings are used in elastic couplings to provide flexibility and damping, then the coupling can absorb shocks and vibrations, but the elastomer rings are easily destroyed under overload conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into modular components: claw rings, elastomer elements, and bearing sleeves. Each component has a specific function, and the elastomer elements are protected by the bearing sleeves from direct shear stress exposure during overload events
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing sleeve acts as an intermediary between the claw rings, providing a rigid structural framework that protects the elastomer elements from direct mechanical stress during overload conditions while still allowing the elastomer to function under normal operating conditions
2Ease of repair
If elastomer rings are used to provide elastic coupling functionality, then the coupling can transmit torque with damping, but replacing damaged elastomer rings requires time-consuming shaft removal
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed as a modular assembly where elastomer elements can be accessed and replaced independently of the shaft, reducing maintenance complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer elements are extracted from the traditional enclosed coupling design and positioned in accessible locations where they can be replaced without removing the shaft, significantly reducing maintenance time
3Device complexity
If claw rings are directly connected to transmit torque, then the structure is simple, but shear stresses damage the elastomer elements under load
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing sleeve serves as an intermediary structural element between the claw rings, providing rigid support and protecting the elastomer elements from shear stresses while maintaining torque transmission functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling combines different material properties: rigid metallic claw rings and bearing sleeves with flexible elastomer elements, creating a composite structure that protects the elastomer from shear stress while maintaining overall structural integrity
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
This design ensures the clutch is insensitive to overload, allows for easy maintenance, and provides precise axial guidance, enabling high torque transmission with increased damping and adjustable stiffness profiles, while enabling elastomer element replacement without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The claw rings are rotatably mounted on a bearing sleeve via roller bearings
Implementation Method 2
provides precise axial guidance, enabling high torque transmission with increased damping
Implementation Method 3
elastomer elements arranged between the claws of interlocking claw rings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The elastic coupling (1) has two serial claw units (A,B), where each claw unit has two axially spaced claw rings (2,3,4,5). One of the claw rings of the former claw unit has a bearing sleeve (16) protruding from an inner surface (2a) in an axial direction. The other claw rings is rotatably supported by roller bearings (17,18) on the periphery of the bearing sleeve.