Hinged Diaphragm Coupling Tool for Uniform Axial Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools for installing and removing flexible couplings, particularly in aircraft applications, often lead to overstressing the couplings and are difficult to use due to misalignment and high spring rates, which can result in damage during handling and installation.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising two plates with hinged members and actuation features, including keyed pivot members and actuation bores, allows for controlled rotation and axial compression of flexible couplings, enabling secure engagement and disengagement without damaging the couplings, using a standard actuator bolt and nut for reliable clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques are used for installation and removal of flexible couplings, then the coupling can be installed and removed, but the coupling may be overstressed or damaged during handling and installation
Solution Approach 1:
A tool comprising first and second plates with shaft engaging features acts as an intermediary device between the installer and the flexible coupling. The plates engage the shaft ends and transmit compression forces uniformly, preventing direct handling damage to the coupling while enabling safe installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool compresses the flexible coupling axially along its longitudinal axis before installation into the mating assembly. This preliminary compression action reduces the coupling's outer diameter, allowing it to pass through tight clearances and be installed without overstressing the coupling elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible couplings with low spring rates are used, then angular misalignment can be accommodated, but the coupling can be overstressed during installation or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The plated tool serves as a mediator that distributes compression forces uniformly across the shaft engaging features, preventing localized overstressing of the low spring rate coupling elements while still allowing the coupling to accommodate angular misalignment through its flexible diaphragm design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes the physical state of the coupling by compressing it axially, temporarily reducing its outer diameter and stiffness. This parameter change allows the coupling to be installed without overstressing, after which the coupling returns to its normal state and maintains its ability to accommodate angular misalignment.
3Reliability
If flexible couplings are installed in fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft applications, then torque transmission and misalignment accommodation are achieved, but installation is difficult due to support structure and mating part locations
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into separable first and second plates that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the tool to be configured for different installation scenarios in aircraft applications, enabling access to couplings located in difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining the ability to transmit torque reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool performs preliminary compression of the flexible coupling before installation into the aircraft assembly. This preliminary action reduces the coupling size to fit through tight clearances imposed by aircraft support structures and mating part locations, making installation feasible in constrained environments.
4Manufacturing precision
If hinged plates are used to compress flexible couplings, then controlled compression is achieved, but the tool requires precise alignment and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged connection between the first and second plates provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the tool to self-align during the compression process. The hinge enables the plates to rotate and adjust to minor misalignments, maintaining precise compression control without requiring extremely tight alignment tolerances during tool setup.
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 tool facilitates easy and damage-free installation and removal of flexible couplings, ensuring uniform compression and reducing the need for unique geometry features, while preventing over-stressing and foreign object debris, providing a reliable and repeatable clamping force.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge members of first and second plates are hinged together for rotation of the first and second plates about a hinge axis to actuate the shaft engaging features toward and away from one another
Implementation Method 2
The keyed pivot member and the keyed bore can be configured to keep the hinge members of the first and second plates handedly engaged for rotation about the hinge axis
Implementation Method 3
engaging a threaded bolt through respective actuation bores in the first plate and the second plate, and driving a threaded nut around the threaded bolt to drive the shaft engaging features toward one another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A tool for installation and removal of flexible couplings includes a first plate (102) having a hinge member (104) rigidly extending from the first plate and a shaft engaging feature (106) defined in the first plate opposite the hinge member thereof. A second plate (108) has a hinge member (110) rigidly extending from the second plate and a shaft engaging feature (112) defined in the second plate opposite the hinge member thereof. The hinge members of first and second plates are hinged together for rotation of the first and second plates about a hinge axis to actuate the shaft engaging features toward and away from one another.