Torsionally Flexible Coupling With Inclined Spring Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torsionally flexible couplings face challenges in reducing the friction component of damping, which limits the hydraulic damping portion and increases wear, especially when torque is transmitted in both the main and opposite directions of rotation.
Innovation Solution
The coupling features inclined spring elements and grooves with a curved contact surface, allowing the spring elements to roll rather than slide, reducing friction and optimizing the angular position and geometry to enhance hydraulic damping and minimize wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If spring elements are arranged radially without inclination, then the coupling structure is simple, but the friction component of damping is high and wear is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are inclined at an angle α between 5° and 15° relative to the radial direction, changing the geometric parameter of the spring arrangement. This inclination causes the spring elements to engage with only one groove flank during operation, converting the sliding friction mechanism into a rolling contact mechanism, thereby reducing the friction component of damping while maintaining structural simplicity
2Ease of manufacture
If spring elements are arranged radially without inclination, then manufacturing is easy, but wear at grooves and spring elements is high
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the angular parameter of spring element inclination (α = 5°-15°), the contact mechanism transitions from sliding to rolling. This reduces wear at both the groove surfaces and spring element ends, significantly extending the operational life of the coupling while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple geometric modification
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
This configuration significantly reduces frictional damping, increases hydraulic damping, and extends the coupling's lifespan by minimizing wear on the spring elements and grooves, achieving a more linear torsion characteristic and improved torque transmission in both directions of rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic component results from the forced displacement of the damping medium that is present in the coupling by the spring elements or spring packs that are deformed
Implementation Method 2
Friction effects occur between the spring elements or the spring packs and the relevant grooves on the inner part
Implementation Method 3
allowing the spring elements to roll rather than slide, reducing friction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A torsionally flexible coupling (10) comprises an inner part (11) having a rotating shaft (A), an outer part (12) extending around the inner part and arranged coaxially thereto, and a plurality of spring elements (16) or spring packs which are arranged between the inner part and the outer part and spaced in circumferential direction, wherein each spring element or spring pack is clamped at a radially outer end (17) in a clamping support (18) on the outer part, and at a radially inner end (20) is flexibly engaged with a corresponding groove (21) on the inner part. In position of rest of the torsionally flexible coupling the spring elements or spring packs are angled relative to a radial direction passing through the respective clamping support and are inclined against the main direction of rotation of the coupling. Such an inclined position of the spring elements or spring packs allows a reduction of the portion of damping caused by friction so that damping can become predominantly hydraulic.