Elastic Hub Bore Centering for Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft/hub connections in drive systems, such as those used in bicycles and automotive technology, face issues with centering due to large manufacturing tolerances, leading to wobbling and operational noise, especially when using low-cost manufacturing methods like sintering or casting, which result in clearance fits and inadequate centering.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shaft/hub connection with elastically deformable surfaces, achieved through bending beams oriented tangentially, which can radially deform to bridge manufacturing tolerances and form a materially bonded connection with less deformable surfaces, ensuring precise centering and robust power transmission while allowing for cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If low-cost manufacturing methods (sintering, casting, stamping) are used for shaft/hub connections, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates resulting in large tolerances and clearance fits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the hub bore surface by introducing elastically deformable surfaces that can dynamically adjust their dimensions. These surfaces are designed with specific elastic properties allowing them to deform radially under load, effectively compensating for the large tolerances inherent in low-cost manufacturing methods. The elastic deformation capability transforms the rigid dimensional parameters into flexible ones that adapt to the shaft dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub component employs a composite structure combining elastically deformable surfaces with the main hub body. The deformable surfaces can be made from elastic materials or designed as thin-walled structures with specific stiffness characteristics, creating a composite system that integrates both compliance for tolerance compensation and structural integrity for load bearing.
2Ease of manufacture
If large manufacturing tolerances are accepted in shaft/hub connections, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but centering precision deteriorates leading to wobbling under load
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic behavior to the hub bore surfaces through elastic deformation capability. Instead of a static rigid fit, the surfaces can dynamically adjust their position and shape in response to applied loads and dimensional variations. This dynamic adaptation ensures stable centering throughout the operational cycle, eliminating wobbling while maintaining compatibility with large manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic surfaces change their dimensional parameters (radius, shape) under load conditions, transforming from a fixed-clearance state to a engaged centering state. This parameter change occurs automatically based on the applied forces, ensuring proper centering without requiring precise initial manufacturing dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If clearance fits are used between shaft and hub, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but power transmission reliability deteriorates due to wobbling and play
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable surfaces are pre-designed with specific stiffness and deformation characteristics that enable them to automatically engage and eliminate clearance when load is applied. This preliminary design of elastic properties ensures that the surfaces will reliably close the clearance gap under operational conditions, guaranteeing consistent power transmission without requiring pre-assembly adjustments or interference fits.
4Manufacturing precision
If elastically deformable surfaces are added to the hub component, then centering precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the centering function directly into the hub bore surfaces themselves rather than using separate centering mechanisms. The elastically deformable surfaces are integrated as part of the hub structure, combining the functions of the hub body and centering elements into a single component. This integration reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall device structure while achieving improved centering precision.
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 solution enables precise centering and robust power transmission even with large manufacturing tolerances, reducing operational noise and maintaining tension in toothed belt drives, while allowing for inexpensive production and weight savings.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformation of these surfaces in the radial direction is possible
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft/hub connection for vehicles or for use in drive systems with a cylinder- shaped shaft component, containing elevations or depressions on the lateral surface and a hub component having a bore, including inside the bore also elevations or depressions, whereby the shaft component can be mounted inside the bore of the hub component. It is further distinguished in that inside the bore of the hub component at least 2 surfaces are arranged such that an elastic deformation of these surfaces in the radial direction is possible and inside the bore of the hub component at least 2 surfaces are arranged such that an elastic deformation of these surfaces in the radial direction is less possible. In addition, the shaft/hub connection is characterized in that the elastically deformable surfaces are connected in a materially bonding manner with the elastically less deformable surfaces.