Hollow Shaft Motor Bushing Coupling for Compact Pump Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow shaft motors for pumps face challenges with external elements required for coupling, which increase size and maintenance complexity, including the difficulty in disassembling the pump due to oxide layers and the need for periodic replacement of elastic couplings.
Innovation Solution
A hollow shaft motor design that eliminates the need for external coupling elements by integrating a bushing with a threaded coupling hole and polymeric coating, allowing direct coupling and easy disassembly, utilizing a tooth and groove constraint mechanism for rotational alignment and lubrication to reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external coupling elements (lantern, elastic coupling) are used to connect the hollow shaft motor to the pump, then the motor can be coupled to the pump, but the overall size of the motor-pump assembly increases and periodic maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the coupling function directly into the hollow shaft by integrating a bushing with external threading. This eliminates the need for separate external coupling elements (lantern, elastic coupling) and reduces the overall assembly size while maintaining the coupling capability between the motor and pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing integrated into the hollow shaft serves multiple functions: it provides coupling capability through external threading, enables direct attachment to the pump shaft, and eliminates the need for separate coupling components. This multi-functional design reduces the number of parts and overall assembly size.
2Ease of operation
If traditional external coupling elements are used, then the motor can be coupled to the pump, but periodic maintenance consisting of replacement of elastic elements is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the elastic coupling element from the system by using a direct threaded bushing connection. This removes the component that requires periodic replacement, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while preserving the coupling function between motor and pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the elastic coupling (which has limited life and requires periodic replacement) with a durable threaded bushing connection that is designed to last the lifetime of the motor, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance of coupling elements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the pump is left in use for years, then the motor continues to operate, but oxide layers form between the pump shaft and motor hollow shaft making disassembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing acts as an intermediary component between the hollow shaft and the pump shaft connection. It provides a dedicated threaded interface that facilitates clean attachment and detachment, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact that would cause oxide layer formation and making disassembly easy even after years of service.
Solution Approach 2:
The external threading on the bushing is pre-formed during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-use interface that prevents oxide layer formation from the start. The threaded design allows for clean, oxide-free contact surfaces that maintain ease of disassembly throughout the service life of the motor.
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
Enables compact motor-pump assemblies with reduced maintenance needs, as the bushing can be easily removed and replaced, minimizing space usage and maintenance costs while facilitating smooth operation and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing (4) is coated with a polymeric material which facilitates its removal with respect to the shaft (3) and/or reduces friction between the two elements
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
It is provided a hollow shaft motor (1) comprising a main body (2) defining a central axis (2a) and comprising an outer face (20) transverse to the central axis (2a) centrally defining an opening (21), a shaft (3) extending along the central axis (2a) internally to the main body (2) and rotating about the central axis (2a) with respect to the main body (2) and comprising a first coupling portion (3a) configured to be connected to an external shaft of a pump, a bushing (4) suitable to be coupled with the first coupling portion (3a) and comprising at least one housing (40) suitable to accommodate said external shaft in such a way to transmit in use, the motion of the shaft (3) to said outer shaft, the housing portion (3a) includes a cavity (30) facing and accessible from the opening (21), developed mainly along the central axis (2a) and configured to host the bushing (4), the housing portion (3a) further including at least a first wall (31) delimiting at least part of the cavity (30) around the axis (2a) and configured to prevent reciprocal translation of the bushing (4) with respect to the shaft (3) transversely to the central axis (2a).