Hub Alignment Feature for Driveshaft Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Misalignment between the driveshaft and the hub in fan assemblies leads to inefficient power transfer due to burring and slippage, causing the connection to loosen and result in reduced efficiency and potential damage during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
An alignment feature is introduced on the hub, comprising alignment features that engage the driveshaft's flat portion to ensure proper alignment with the set screw hole, preventing misalignment and allowing for secure coupling and efficient power transfer, which disengages during disassembly to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the driveshaft is inserted into the axial bore without an alignment feature, then the assembly process is simpler, but misalignment occurs causing burring and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature is created in the hub before the driveshaft insertion process. This preliminary action ensures that when the driveshaft is inserted, it automatically aligns with the set screw hole, preventing misalignment issues without requiring complex alignment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment feature acts as an intermediary element between the hub and the driveshaft. It mediates the alignment relationship by providing a physical guide that ensures the driveshaft enters the axial bore in the correct orientation, thereby preventing burring and slippage.
2Reliability
If the alignment feature is permanent, then alignment is maintained during operation, but damage occurs during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature is designed to be dynamic rather than static. During normal operation, the alignment feature maintains its shape to ensure reliable alignment and prevent misalignment. During disassembly, when forces are applied to the driveshaft, the alignment feature deforms or flattens to allow removal without damage. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliability during operation and preventing damage during disassembly.
3Productivity
If the set screw hole is positioned without alignment guidance, then the hub design is simpler, but power transfer efficiency decreases due to slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature is prepared in advance in the hub structure to guide the driveshaft into proper alignment with the set screw hole. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when the set screw is tightened, it engages the driveshaft at the correct position, maximizing power transfer efficiency and preventing slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment feature replaces the need for complex mechanical alignment procedures or additional alignment components. By incorporating the alignment function directly into the hub structure, the patent simplifies the overall mechanical system while maintaining high power transfer efficiency through proper alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub-driveshaft assembly comprises a hub and driveshaft with a flat portion having a width. The hub comprises a body having an axial bore therethrough, a set screw hole extending radially through a wall of the body and communicating with the axial bore, and an alignment feature positioned near an entrance to the axial bore, wherein the alignment feature substantially aligns the flat portion of the driveshaft with the set screw hole when the driveshaft is inserted into the axial bore. In another embodiment, the hub comprises an alignment feature to promote proper alignment of the driveshaft with respect to the hub when the driveshaft is inserted into the axial bore, wherein the alignment feature is eliminated under load. In yet another embodiment, the hub comprises an alignment feature that flattens in response to loading from the driveshaft.