Fail-Safe Buffer Coupling for Torsional Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings fail to effectively absorb torsional vibrations, leading to potential damage to connected components, and lack a fail-safe mechanism in case of buffer element failure.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring an outer, inner, and intermediate member with radially overlapping projections and buffer elements, allowing torque transfer even if buffer elements are damaged, with adjustable stiffness and misalignment tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If buffer elements are used to absorb torsional vibrations, then vibration absorption is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the coupling fails if buffer elements are damaged or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates buffer elements between the inner and outer members to absorb torsional vibrations before they can damage the coupling or connected components. This prior cushioning approach protects the system from harmful vibrations while maintaining reliable torque transmission through the buffered connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is segmented into distinct functional components: buffer elements for vibration absorption and interlocking projections for torque transmission. This segmentation allows the torque transmission path to be independent of the buffer elements, so that even if buffers are damaged, the projections maintain coupling integrity and continue transmitting torque.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional coupling designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but vibration absorption capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is divided into functional segments: buffer elements positioned between members for vibration absorption, and interlocking projections for torque transmission. This segmentation enables the complex vibration absorption requirement to be met while keeping each component's manufacturing relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Buffer elements act as intermediary components between the inner and outer members, providing vibration absorption without requiring complex direct connections. These intermediaries simplify the overall design by decoupling the vibration absorption function from the torque transmission function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple buffer elements are added to improve vibration absorption, then vibration damping increases, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a limited number of strategically positioned buffer elements rather than excessive buffering material. This partial action approach provides sufficient vibration damping for torsional vibrations while avoiding unnecessary weight and volume increases from over-buffering.
Solution Approach 2:
Buffer elements are placed locally at specific positions where vibration absorption is most needed, rather than uniformly distributing buffering material throughout the coupling. This localized approach optimizes vibration damping while minimizing added weight and volume.
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 coupling effectively absorbs torsional vibrations, provides a fail-safe mechanism by allowing direct engagement of projections in case of buffer element failure, and reduces weight and volume compared to traditional configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A coupling is provided which includes an outer member, an inner member, an intermediate member and a plurality of buffer elements disposed between the members
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling (2) is disclosed. The coupling (2) comprises an outer member (4), an inner member (8), an intermediate member (6) and a plurality of buffer elements (18, 20). The outer member (4) comprises a plurality of radially inward projections (10), the inner member (6) comprises a plurality of radially outward projections (16) and the intermediate member (6) comprises a plurality of radially inward projections (14) and a plurality of radially outward projections (12). The plurality of buffer elements (18, 20) are disposed between the projections (10, 12, 14, 16). The plurality of radially inward projections (10) of the outer member (4) and the plurality of radially outward projections (12) of the intermediate member (6) are radially overlapped, and the plurality of radially outward projections (16) of the inner member (6) and the plurality of radially inner projections (14) of the intermediate member (6) are radially overlapped.