Hinged Diaphragm Coupling Tool for Damage-Free Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools for installing and removing flexible couplings often lead to overstressing and damage, especially in applications like aircraft, due to their low spring rates and challenging support structures, and require complex geometries for proper installation.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising two hinged plates with u-shaped cutouts and keyed pivot members, actuation features, and a bolt-nut mechanism to securely engage and compress flexible driveshafts, allowing for controlled installation and removal without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tools are used for installation and removal of flexible couplings, then the process can be completed, but the flexible coupling may be overstressed or damaged due to low spring rates and challenging support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary device between the installer and the flexible coupling. This tool includes plates with contoured edges that interface with the flexible driveshaft, providing a protective medium that distributes forces evenly and prevents direct contact between conventional tools and the delicate flexible coupling components, thereby eliminating overstressing and damage during installation and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured edges and wrapping contours around the u-shaped cutouts are designed to cushion and distribute applied forces before they reach the flexible coupling. This pre-cushioning mechanism protects the low spring rate components from sudden or concentrated loads that could cause damage during the installation and removal processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible couplings with low spring rates are used to accommodate misalignment, then flexibility is improved, but the coupling becomes more susceptible to overstressing during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The tool acts as an intermediary that bridges the need for flexibility in the coupling while providing the strength and rigidity needed during installation. The plates with contoured edges distribute loads across the flexible coupling components, allowing the low spring rate design to maintain its misalignment accommodation capability while protecting against overstressing during handling
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes the mechanical parameters of the installation process by distributing forces across multiple contact points and reducing peak stresses. The contoured edges and wrapping contours modify the force distribution pattern, transforming concentrated loads into distributed loads that the low spring rate coupling can withstand without damage
3Ease of operation
If conventional installation techniques are used, then the process is simple, but complex geometries are required for proper installation in fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tool design that can accommodate various flexible coupling geometries and installation scenarios in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The plates with contoured edges and u-shaped cutouts are designed to interface with different coupling types, eliminating the need for specialized tools for each specific geometry and simplifying the overall installation process across multiple applications
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 enables safe, efficient, and damage-free installation and removal of flexible couplings by providing a secure fit and controlled compression, reducing the need for unique geometries and preventing over-stressing, while ensuring reliable clamping force and ease of use.
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
actuating the shaft engaging features toward one another can include 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
Implementation Method 4
Each u-shaped cut out can define a u-shaped edge of the plate that is itself contoured wrapping around the u-shaped edge to provide an interface for a secure fit between the plates and a flexible driveshaft
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for installation and removal of flexible couplings includes a first plate having a hinge member rigidly extending from the first plate and a shaft engaging feature defined in the first plate opposite the hinge member thereof. A second plate has a hinge member rigidly extending from the second plate and a shaft engaging feature 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.