Split-Ring Shaft Coupling for ESP Tensile Load Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Submersible pumping systems face challenges in designing shaft couplings that can effectively manage both compressive and tensile loads, as the thrust generated by the pump can result in varying directional forces on the shafts, requiring a mechanism that can accommodate and transfer these loads efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A shaft coupling design that includes a body with receiving chambers and grooves for split rings and locking screws, allowing for the secure connection and axial positioning of upper and lower shafts, enabling the transfer of tensile loads and resisting separation under tension, while also allowing for easy disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shaft coupling is designed to accommodate tensile loads, then the coupling strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion, a first shaft receiving portion with an upper locking mechanism (split ring and set screws), and a second shaft receiving portion with a lower locking mechanism (locking screws). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability under tensile loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The split ring is pre-compressed by set screws into a position occupying both the upper internal groove and the shaft ring groove of the upper shaft before operation. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism is already engaged and secured, providing immediate reliability when tensile loads are applied without requiring additional activation steps during operation.
2Strength
If the coupling uses multiple locking screws and split rings, then the ability to transfer tensile loads is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed as a universal component that integrates multiple functions: it houses both upper and lower shaft receiving portions, incorporates both split ring and locking screw mechanisms, and provides receiving chambers for both shafts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and assemblies, simplifying manufacturing despite the complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The split ring is nested within the upper internal groove of the coupling body, which itself is nested within the coupling structure. The set screws and locking screws are integrated into the coupling body, with their threads formed directly in the receiving chambers. This nesting arrangement reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly and manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft coupling for connecting an upper shaft with a lower shaft within a pumping system is designed to handle a large tensile load between the upper and lower shafts. In some embodiments, the upper shaft includes a shaft ring groove and the coupling has a body and a first receiving chamber within the body that receives an end of the upper shaft. The coupling also includes an upper internal groove extending into the body from the first receiving chamber and an upper split ring that is configured to be compressed into a position occupying both the upper internal groove and the shaft ring groove of the upper shaft. Set screws compress the upper split ring into the shaft ring groove of the upper shaft. In another embodiment, the coupling includes a plurality of locking screws that extend through the body into corresponding lock screw grooves in the upper and lower shafts.