Pressure-Expandable Safety Coupling for Compact Torque Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety couplings are bulky, heavy, and require multiple components to transmit torque efficiently, with challenges in reducing material consumption and weight while maintaining torque transfer capabilities, especially in applications with sporadic torque stops.
Innovation Solution
A safety coupling design featuring a first and second coupling part with an integrated safety unit that can switch between torque transmission and non-transmission states using a pressure-mediated expandable subpart, allowing torque transfer via frictional forces between cylindrical surfaces, and incorporating a counter-pressure collar and radially directed grooves for reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety coupling designs are used with multiple components, then torque transmission reliability is ensured, but the coupling becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The safety unit is integrated directly into the first coupling part, merging previously separate components into a unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional separate safety mechanisms while maintaining torque transmission reliability through the expanded subpart that engages with the groove in the second coupling part.
Solution Approach 2:
The first coupling part serves multiple functions: it transmits torque through its connection to the shaft, houses the safety unit with the expandable subpart, and provides the structural framework for the coupling mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall weight.
2Reliability
If traditional safety coupling designs with multiple components are used, then safety function is achieved, but the number of components and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety unit is merged with the first coupling part, creating an integrated assembly where the expandable subpart is housed within and structurally connected to the first coupling part. This reduces the component count from multiple separate parts to a more compact integrated design while preserving the safety release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The first coupling part is segmented to include an integrated safety unit with an expandable subpart that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the safety function to be built into the existing structure without adding complete separate assemblies, reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional safety coupling designs are used, then torque transmission is reliable, but the coupling length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable subpart of the safety unit is nested within the first coupling part, with the subpart expanding radially when pressurized to engage with the groove in the second coupling part. This nested arrangement allows the safety mechanism to operate within the existing coupling length without requiring additional axial space.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety mechanism transitions from axial expansion to radial expansion. The expandable subpart expands radially outward when pressurized, engaging with the groove in the second coupling part through radial movement rather than axial movement. This dimensional change allows the safety function to be achieved without increasing the coupling length.
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 design results in a lighter, shorter safety coupling with reduced material consumption, capable of efficient torque transfer and rapid disengagement, addressing the need for weight reduction and simplified component usage.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion which is ensured by means of a pressure exerting agent or medium applied and enclosed in a cavity within the subpart of the safety unit, the pressure exerting agent or medium being illustrated hereinafter as an hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
torque can be transferred directly to said first or said second coupling part via two mutually opposite outer parts, such as cylindrical outer parts, frictionally active against opposing outer parts, such as cylindrical outer parts, of the groove
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a safety coupling arrangement (10) comprising a first coupling part (11, that can be adapted for fixed co-action with a shaft, axle or the like that functions to transfer torque and rotary movement to said safety coupling, and a second coupling part (12) which is adapted for fixed co-action with a shaft, axle or the like to transfer torque and rotational movement from the safety coupling, and further comprising a safety unit (13). The safety unit is adapted to take one of two settings, a first setting, in which torque and rotary movement can be transferred between said two coupling parts (11, 12) and a second setting, in which no torque and rotational movement can be transferred between said two coupling parts. The safety unit (13) includes a subpart or a body (13′) that can take said first setting as a result of expansion caused by applying pressure to a cavity (13a) in the safety unit and enclosing said pressure in said cavity, and is able to take its second setting by evacuating said pressure from the cavity. The second coupling part (12) includes an axially directed or generally axially directed groove (12a) which is adapted to be able to surround a pressure expandable subpart (13′; 13b, 13b′) in said safety unit (13) or said first coupling part (11) and the whole or essentially the whole of said cavity (13a), wherein said expandable subpart (13′), when in its first setting, functions to allow torque to be transferred directly to said first coupling part (11) or said second coupling part (12) via two mutually opposing surface parts (13c, 13d) which are frictionally active against opposing outer parts (12b, 12c) of the axially directed groove (12a).