Flexible Torque Coupling for Misalignment and Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque transmission systems face challenges in accommodating angular, longitudinal, and radial offsets between rotating components, leading to deformation and inefficiencies in tools like rotary steerable systems during wellbore formation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible coupling system comprising an input coupler, an output coupler, and a plurality of pivotably and slidably coupled rigid linkages, which allows for parallel and angular displacement, utilizing elastomeric materials to inhibit buckling and dampen vibrations, enabling effective torque transfer despite misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid coupling is used to transfer torque between rotating members, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but the system cannot accommodate angular, longitudinal, and radial offsets causing deformation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into multiple rigid linkages connected by pivot joints, allowing each linkage to independently accommodate offsets while maintaining torque transmission. The segmented structure enables the coupling to bend and flex without compromising the integrity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated mechanism with pivot joints. This allows the coupling to adapt its configuration in real-time to accommodate varying offsets between rotating members while continuously transmitting torque.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible coupling with multiple pivot joints is used to accommodate offsets, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling employs an articulated chain-like structure of rigid linkages that flexes to accommodate offsets. This approach uses simple rigid components connected by pivots rather than complex flexible materials, achieving flexibility through geometry rather than material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling changes its geometric configuration by altering the angles and positions of rigid linkages through pivot joints. This allows the system to adapt to different offset conditions while maintaining the rigidity and strength of individual components.
3Strength
If rigid linkages are used to transfer torque, then strength is improved, but the system cannot tolerate misalignments without buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid torque transmission path is segmented into multiple rigid linkages connected by pivot joints. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the strength of rigid components while distributing misalignment accommodation across multiple joints, preventing buckling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling adds rotational degrees of freedom at pivot joints, allowing rigid linkages to accommodate misalignments in multiple dimensions (angular, longitudinal, radial) without compromising their structural strength or requiring them to bend.
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 system effectively transfers torque and rotational motion while tolerating misalignments, reducing stress and vibration transmission, thus enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of tools like rotary steerable systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing elastomeric materials to inhibit buckling and dampen vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible coupling includes an input coupler including an inner face, an output coupler including an inner face, and a plurality of rigid linkages. Each rigid linkage is coupled between an input attachment point coupled to the inner face of the input coupler and an output attachment point coupled to the inner face of the output coupler. Each rigid linkage is pivotably and slidably coupled to the input attachment point and the output attachment point.