Flexible Drive Shaft Coupling for Torque Transfer Under Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for joining drive shafts are expensive and labor-intensive due to complex shapes and high geometrical tolerance requirements, and they fail to accommodate off-axis axial or bending movements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible coupling design using compliant components, such as coil springs or resilient bushings, that can absorb axial and lateral deviations between shafts, allowing for torque transmission while accommodating bending and axial movements, and is easier to manufacture without strict geometrical tolerance and welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex shaped components with high geometrical tolerance and welding are used, then coupling strength and precision are improved, but manufacturing cost and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-machined metal components with simpler, less expensive diaphragm components that do not require exceptional geometrical tolerance or welding, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material and structural parameters from rigid precision-machined components to flexible diaphragm components, allowing the coupling to accommodate misalignment through elastic deformation rather than requiring precise geometric tolerances
2Power
If rigid shafts with high precision alignment are used, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but ability to accommodate misalignment and movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs diaphragm components made from flexible materials that can bend and deform elastically, allowing the coupling to accommodate axial and lateral misalignments while still transmitting torque effectively between shafts
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic flexibility through diaphragm components that can adapt their shape and position in response to misalignment and movement, enabling the coupling to maintain torque transmission capability under varying operational conditions
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 flexible coupling efficiently transfers torque and adapts to misalignments, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible coupling design using compliant components, such as coil springs or resilient bushings, that can absorb axial and lateral deviations between shafts
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible coupling (50) includes a first flange (60) having an outer edge (67), a first surface (70), a second surface (72) opposite the first surface, and a first plurality of passages (74). A second flange (62) including an outer edge section (80), a first surface section (82), a second surface section (84) opposite the first surface section, and a second plurality of passages (86). A connecting element (103) extends between and connecting the first flange and the second flange through one of the first plurality of passages and one of the second plurality passages. The connecting element includes a connecting member (105) having a first stop element (114) and a second stop element (116). A compliant component (119, 121, 123) is arranged on the connecting element. The compliant component is positioned on the connecting member between one of the first stop element and the first surface; the second stop element and the second surface section; and between the second surface and the first surface section.