Hydraulic Shaft Coupling for Fast Torque Transmission Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable hydraulic devices for rescue purposes face challenges in quickly and easily joining and separating rotary shafts for torque transmission, with interlock-type joints requiring alignment and magnetic joints being costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic device with a detachable torque transmission joint featuring a guide shaft and engaged portions around it, and a connecting portion with a guide hole and engaging portions, allowing for easy alignment and connection without the need for rotation phase matching, using projections and recesses with tilted tips for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an interlock-type torque transmission joint is used, then reliable torque transmission is achieved, but the joining time increases due to rotation phase alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission reliabilityVSAvoidjoining time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A guide shaft is introduced as an intermediary component between the driving-side rotary shaft and the driven-side rotary shaft. The guide shaft includes engaged portions that can be engaged by engaging portions on the connecting portion, serving as a mediator that facilitates connection without requiring precise rotation phase alignment between the two rotary shafts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The torque transmission joint is segmented into multiple functional components: a guide shaft with engaged portions, a connecting portion with engaging portions, and a driven-side rotary shaft. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the guide shaft handling alignment and the engaging portions securing the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a magnetic joint is used as the torque transmission joint, then easy separation is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation easeVSAvoidjoint structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging portions are designed with tilted tips that automatically align and engage with the engaged portions on the guide shaft during the connection process. The tilted configuration allows the engaging portions to self-align and slide into place without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or external assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a magnetic joint is used as the torque transmission joint, then easy separation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation easeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The torque transmission joint uses simple mechanical components made from conventional materials that can be manufactured using standard machining processes. The design prioritizes simplicity and manufacturability over using expensive specialized materials or complex assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If engaged portions with tilted tips are used, then easy alignment and connection are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment easeVSAvoidengaged portion precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The engaged portions and engaging portions are designed with specific geometric parameters, including the tilted tip configuration and the number of portions (3-12). These parameter choices balance the need for easy alignment with manufacturability, allowing for adequate tolerance ranges during manufacturing while still achieving reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3741513B1Hydraulic actuating device
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 OGURA
  • EP3741513B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3741513B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3741513B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A connected portion 68, 68m is disposed at an end of one of a rotary member 41 (first rotary shaft) of a tool unit 10 and a rotary shaft 62a (second rotary shaft) of a driving unit 60, and a connecting portion 52, 52m which is connected to the connected portion 68, 68m is disposed at an end of the other thereof. The connected portion 68, 68m has a guide shaft 68a that rotates integrally with the rotary member 41 or the rotary shaft 62a, and a plurality of engaged portions 68b, 68p disposed around the guide shaft 68a. The connecting portion 52, 52m has a guide hole 52a into which the guide shaft 68a is inserted, and the engaging portions 52b, 52q with which the engaged portions 68b, 68p are engaged and which are disposed around the guide hole 52a.