Flexible Shaft Coupling Coplanar Disc Pack Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc pack couplings face limitations in accommodating a wide range of misalignments, particularly angular misalignment, which restricts their ability to transmit torque effectively between misaligned shafts.
Innovation Solution
A flexible hub connection system utilizing two flexible disc packs with alternating hole diameters and arrangements, allowing for substantial coincidence of flex planes to support shafts without bending, thereby accommodating increased angular misalignment and axial separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single disc pack coupling is used to connect two shafts, then torque transmission is achieved, but the angular misalignment accommodation is limited to 1/2° to 11⁄2°
Solution Approach 1:
The single disc pack coupling is divided into two separate disc packs connected by an intermediate member. Each disc pack handles a portion of the misalignment, with the first disc pack accommodating misalignment in one plane and the second disc pack accommodating misalignment in another plane, thereby increasing total angular misalignment accommodation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement transitions from a single-plane flexing mechanism to a multi-plane configuration. The first disc pack flexes in a first plane while the second disc pack flexes in a second plane, adding dimensional capability to accommodate angular misalignment from multiple directions simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If the disc pack size is increased to accommodate more misalignment, then angular misalignment capacity increases, but the torque transmission capability and stress distribution are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The total misalignment accommodation requirement is segmented between two smaller disc packs rather than one large disc pack. Each disc pack experiences reduced stress because they each handle a portion of the total misalignment, preventing any single disc pack from being overloaded
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using one disc pack that must accommodate all misalignment (excessive action on a single component), the misalignment is distributed across two disc packs performing partial actions, reducing the stress burden on each individual disc pack
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 configuration approximately doubles the angular misalignment capacity and reduces stress on each disc pack, enhancing the coupling's flexibility and reliability while maintaining torque transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible means having a first flex plane, a second flexible means having a second flex plane... such that the first flex plane and the second flex plane are being arranged substantially coplanar
Implementation Method 2
the connection comprising: a first flexible means having a first flex plane... so that torque can be transmitted between the shafts through the connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A flexible hub connection is disclosed for joining a first rotatable shaft with a second rotatable shaft so that torque can be transmitted between the shafts through the connection. The connection comprises a first flexible means having a first flex plane, a second flexible means having a second flex plane and, an intermediate member. The first flexible means is connected between the first rotatable shaft and the intermediate member, while the second flexible means is connected between the intermediate member and the second rotatable shaft. The first flex plane and second flex plane being substantially coplanar.