Friction Transmission Coupling for Axial Misalignment Load Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing friction transmission devices are unable to effectively reduce the influence of external loads such as tilting moments, radial loads, and axial loads on speed change mechanisms, leading to misalignment, metal fatigue, and uneven transmission characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A friction transmission device with a take-out member having an inclined contact surface and a coupling that connects the take-out member and output member, allowing for easy deformation to absorb axial loads and convert torque into axial force, thereby reducing the impact of external loads and maintaining stable speed change characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid connection is used between take-out member and output member, then structural strength is improved, but ability to absorb axial center deviation and convert torque to axial force deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidability to absorb axial center deviation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling's material parameters are specifically selected to have lower elastic modulus and higher ductility compared to the take-out member and output member. This parameter change enables the coupling to deform elastically under axial loads, absorbing axial center deviations while maintaining structural integrity of the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling acts as an intermediary element between the take-out member and output member. It mediates the interaction by deforming to absorb axial center deviations and converting torque into axial force, thereby protecting the rigid components from direct stress while enabling adaptive alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If external loads are directly transmitted to speed change mechanism, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but misalignment and metal fatigue increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidresistance to misalignment and metal fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling converts the harmful effect of external loads (axial forces causing misalignment) into a beneficial function by allowing controlled deformation. The axial loads that would otherwise cause misalignment are instead used to deform the coupling, which in turn generates axial force to press the friction rolling elements against the take-out member, improving contact and reducing misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing axial center deviations before they can transmit to the speed change mechanism. This cushioning effect prevents misalignment and metal fatigue in advance, protecting the friction rolling elements and take-out member from damaging loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If coupling is made more easily deformed, then ability to absorb axial center deviation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to absorb axial center deviationVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

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 device effectively absorbs axial center deviations and adjusts pressurization loads based on transmission torque, enhancing transmission efficiency and extending the life of the device by minimizing the effects of external loads and maintaining stable speed change characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a function of converting the torque acting on the output member into an axial force to transmit the axial force to a take-out member side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque conversion to axial force: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The coupling is configured to be more easily deformed than the take-out member and the output member with respect to an axial load, and has a function of absorbing the deviation of the axial center between the take-out member and the output member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a friction transmission mechanism that transmits power by contact between a take-out member from which output rotation is taken out and a plurality of friction rolling elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11821494B2Friction transmission device

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A friction transmission device has a friction transmission mechanism that transmits power by contact between a take-out member from which output rotation is taken out and a plurality of friction rolling elements. The take-out member has a contact surface inclined with respect to an axial direction. The device includes an output member that is used to transmit the output rotation to a driven device, and a coupling that connects the take-out member and the output member to each other. The coupling is configured to be more easily deformed than the take-out member and the output member with respect to an axial load, and has a function of absorbing deviation of an axial center between the take-out member and the output member and a function of converting a torque acting on the output member into an axial force to transmit the axial force to a take-out member side.