Flexible Sleeve Coupling End Caps for Torque Without Stiffness

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible sleeve couplings face issues with torque transmission during high torque or shock loading, where deformation of teeth can lead to interruption or failure, and increasing stiffness to handle higher torque loads compromises misalignment capabilities and torsional damping.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of stiffening caps with dowels or liners at the ends of the flexible sleeve teeth, which support the teeth and prevent excessive deformation, allowing for high torque transmission without increasing torsional rigidity or affecting misalignment capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the stiffness of the elastomeric material is increased to withstand higher torque loads, then the torque capacity is improved, but the sleeve's flexing ability decreases, reducing the coupling's ability to withstand misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque capacityVSAvoidmisalignment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into distinct functional segments: rigid tooth structures for torque transmission and flexible elastomeric material for misalignment accommodation. The teeth are embedded in the elastomeric material, creating a segmented structure where each component performs its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the coupling have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The tooth regions are made rigid for torque transmission, while the bulk elastomeric material remains flexible for misalignment accommodation. This local differentiation allows the coupling to simultaneously handle high torque and misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the stiffness of the elastomeric material is increased to withstand higher torque loads, then the resistance to torsional shear is improved, but the sleeve's flexing ability decreases, affecting torsional damping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to torsional shearVSAvoidtorsional damping

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into distinct functional segments: rigid tooth structures for torque transmission and flexible elastomeric material for misalignment accommodation. The teeth are embedded in the elastomeric material, creating a segmented structure where each component performs its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the coupling have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The tooth regions are made rigid for torque transmission, while the bulk elastomeric material remains flexible for misalignment accommodation. This local differentiation allows the coupling to simultaneously handle high torque and misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enhances the coupling's resistance to torsional shear, enabling higher torque capacity without compromising misalignment flexibility, and provides opportunities for downsizing, leading to cost savings and improved equipment longevity.

Implementation Method 1

the yielding material can provide flexing along three axes to accommodate torsional, angular, and parallel misalignment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Elastomeric couplings are uniquely suited for use in applications where shock, vibration and misalignment may be present

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

the yielding material can provide flexing along three axes to accommodate torsional, angular, and parallel misalignment, and also torque spikes and impact drive loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11226010B2Flexible sleeve coupling radial tooth support cap and method

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 DODGE ACQUISITION CO

AI summary

A system and method for increasing a tooth shear strength without also increasing a torsional rigidity of a flexible sleeve disposed between two hubs of a flexible coupling for transmitting mechanical motion between two shafts includes attaching a stiffening caps to both ends of a flexible sleeve, between the flexible sleeve and the hubs.