Inline Universal Coupler With Resilient Insert for Mixed Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers in irrigation systems face challenges in effectively connecting drive shafts of different cross-sectional dimensions under heavy load and varying soil conditions, requiring flexible and shock-absorbing designs to maintain efficient power transmission.
Innovation Solution
An inline universal coupler is designed with first and second yoke assemblies and a multi-lobed compressible resilient insert, allowing for secure connection of round and square drive shafts, featuring adjustable apertures and fastening mechanisms to accommodate various shaft sizes and orientations, ensuring robust and flexible coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional interlocking castings are used to couple round and square shafts, then the coupler can tolerate heavy loads and shock conditions, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into two separate yoke assemblies (first yoke for round shaft, second yoke for square shaft) connected by a resilient insert, rather than using a single complex interlocking casting. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while maintaining overall strength through the flexible connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient insert is introduced as an intermediary element between the two yoke assemblies. This insert provides the necessary flexibility and shock absorption while simplifying the overall coupler design compared to direct interlocking castings, resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-design coupler is used, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the adaptability to different shaft sizes and orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates adjustable elements including movable aperture positions and selectable fastening mechanisms that allow the same basic design to adapt to different shaft sizes and orientations. This dynamic adjustability maintains manufacturing precision for each configuration while providing versatility across multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler design with adjustable apertures and multiple fastening options creates a universal solution that can accommodate various shaft configurations (different sizes, round or square cross-sections) using the same basic coupler body, thereby achieving both precision and adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid coupler design is used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the shock absorption capability under varying soil conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient insert acts as a flexible element between the two yoke assemblies, providing shock absorption and flexibility to accommodate varying soil conditions and heavy loads while maintaining the overall structural stability of the coupler through the rigid yoke components.
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 coupler provides reliable and flexible power transmission across different soil conditions by securely connecting shafts of varying dimensions, enhancing the durability and efficiency of irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-lobed compressible resilient insert provided therebetween
Implementation Method 2
featuring adjustable apertures and fastening mechanisms to accommodate various shaft sizes and orientations
Data Source
AI summary
A yoke assembly for receiving a shaft, the yoke assembly including a main section including a pair of planar surfaces and a shoulder portion; and a subsidiary section with a pair of planar surfaces extending between a proximal wall and a distal wall. The subsidiary section is configured and arranged to be seated and securely attached to the first main section such that the proximal wall of the subsidiary section opposes the shoulder portion of the main section, and the pair of planar surfaces of the main section oppose the pair of planar surfaces of the subsidiary section. The main section and the subsidiary section are configured and arranged to be joined together to form a receiving aperture therebetween.