Friction-Coated Shaft Coupling With Integrated Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaft connections in propulsion systems require additional external components like seal rings for sealing, which increases complexity and weight.

Innovation Solution

A friction-coated coupling with a sealant filling the pores between the asperities of the friction coating, providing a sealing function without the need for external seal rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If seal rings are attached to the coupling ends, then sealing function is provided, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the friction coating by incorporating sealant material into the porous structure of the friction coating. This integration eliminates the need for separate seal rings while maintaining both friction transmission and sealing functions within a single component structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction coating is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides friction for torque transmission and contains sealed pores that prevent fluid leakage. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the coupling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If seal rings are attached to the coupling ends, then sealing function is provided, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction coating utilizes a porous structure filled with sealant material. The pores are sized and distributed to effectively trap and seal fluids while maintaining the friction properties of the coating. This approach provides sealing without adding significant weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Device complexity

If friction coating with pores is used, then sealing function is integrated, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidmanufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process controls the pore size parameters of the friction coating to fall within specific ranges (0.01-0.1 mm) that are optimal for both sealing effectiveness and friction performance. This parameter optimization ensures that the porous structure can be manufactured using conventional techniques while achieving the desired dual functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively seals the shaft connection, preventing fluid leakage while maintaining a lightweight and simplified design, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of propulsion systems.

Implementation Method 1

all or part of the friction coating comprises a sealant filling the pores formed between the asperities of the friction coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a friction coating in contact with the ends of the two shafts to be connected. This friction coating increases friction considerably and provides a higher torque transmission capacity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250067288A1Coupling for connecting the ends of two rotatable shafts

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A coupling for connecting an end of a first shaft having a cross section to an end of a second shaft having the cross section includes a first sleeve having an interior opening having a shape complementary to the cross section, the interior opening being delimited by an interior surface and a friction coating on the interior surface. The friction coating includes asperities projecting from the inner surface and pores between the asperities and a sealant at least partially filling the pores between the asperities. Also a system of the coupling and the shafts and a method for connecting two shafts using the coupling.