Flange Gear Coupling for Overload-Protected Transmission Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission systems are difficult to assemble and lack protection against overloading, particularly in applications like robot arms where sudden load peaks can occur.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system designed with a flange gear and an elastically deformable coupling component that connects to a counter flange, allowing for easy assembly and decoupling from load peaks, featuring a rotationally fixed connection that can be released without damage for maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the gear is rigidly fixed to the torque support element, then the transmission system has high structural stability, but it cannot protect against short-term load peaks and requires complex assembly procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against overloadingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling component changes its stiffness parameter dynamically: under normal operating conditions it maintains a rigid connection for structural stability, but under overload conditions it becomes flexible to absorb load peaks. This is achieved through the elastic element that can deform when subjected to excessive forces, thereby protecting the gear from damage while simplifying assembly compared to rigid fixation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the gear is rigidly fixed to the torque support element, then the connection is strong, but the assembly procedure becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling component is segmented into distinct functional elements: a first connection element for attaching to the gear, a second connection element for attaching to the torque support element, and an elastic element connecting these two. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining strong connections through the specialized connection elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the gear is firmly attached to the torque support element, then the transmission system has high structural stability, but maintenance requires destructive disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling component transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic可拆卸 connection. The first and second connection elements are designed to be detachably connectable, allowing the gear to be firmly attached during operation for structural stability, but easily separated during maintenance without destructive forces. The elastic element maintains the firm connection during operation but allows for clean separation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a rigid coupling is used between the gear and torque support element, then the connection is stable, but it cannot decouple from load peaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against load peaksVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element acts as an intermediary between the first connection element (attached to the gear) and the second connection element (attached to the torque support element). This intermediary component absorbs and isolates the effects of load peaks, preventing them from being directly transmitted to the gear while maintaining the overall connection. This simplifies the coupling structure compared to more complex shock-absorbing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system enables easy mounting and protection against short-term load peaks, ensuring reliable operation and reducing the risk of damage from sudden loads, while allowing for maintenance without destruction.

Implementation Method 1

the elastically deformable coupling component advantageously enables such a coupling that the three-shaft transmission remains largely decoupled from short-term load peaks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4257848A1Transmission system
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 OVALO
  • EP4257848A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4257848A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4257848A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transmission system comprising a torque support element and a three-shaft transmission, which has at least one gear, in particular annular gear. The transmission system is characterized in that the gear is designed as a flange or has a flange, and that the gear is fixed to the torque support element by means of an elastically deformable coupling component, which has a counter flange non-rotatably connected to the flange.