Insert-Molded Shaft Coupling for Easier Hub Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing shaft couplings with elastic members between hubs require high-precision machining, complicating the production process.
Innovation Solution
A shaft coupling design comprising metal hubs with insert members and an elastomer element, allowing for assembly without high-precision machining, and a method involving insert molding to form a single component with the insert members and elastic member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-precision machining is performed while hubs form a single component with elastic member, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the element into multiple independent insert members (21A-21D) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled with the elastic member (22) through insert molding. This segmentation allows each component to be produced independently with standard machining processes, avoiding the need for complex high-precision machining of a monolithic structure, thereby reducing production complexity while maintaining assembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert members (21A-21D) are prepared in advance as separate components with predetermined shapes and mounting features. The elastic member (22) is then molded around these pre-prepared insert members in a single insert molding operation. This preliminary preparation of components enables subsequent assembly without requiring high-precision machining during final assembly, simplifying the production process.
2Ease of manufacture
If insert members are fixed only to one hub each, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple insert members (21A-21D), each fixed to only one hub, are strategically positioned and combined within the elastic member (22) to form a unified element (4). The elastic member acts as a binding medium that integrates these separately fixed insert members into a coherent structural unit, providing both manufacturing ease and structural stability through the combined configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The element (4) combines metal insert members (21A-21D) with an elastomer elastic member (22) to create a composite structure. The metal insert members provide rigidity and mounting capability to individual hubs, while the elastomer material provides flexibility, damping, and binding functionality, achieving both ease of manufacture and structural stability through material composite action.
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
Facilitates production of a shaft coupling with hubs and an elastic member, reducing complexity and time required, while enhancing the freedom of combinations and stability during rotation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (22) that is made of an elastomer material and provided to form a single component with the plurality of metal insert members
Implementation Method 2
provides more stable vibration damping characteristics of the shaft coupling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a shaft coupling which facilitates the production of a shaft coupling having a pair of hubs and an elastic member provided therebetween. [Solution] A shaft coupling 1 comprises a pair of metal hubs 3A, 3B having shaft holes into which a shaft can be fitted, and an element 4 arranged between the pair of hubs 3A, 3B at a predetermined distance from each hub 3A, 3B, wherein the element 4 comprises: metal insert members 21A-21D, each of which has two end surfaces 27, 28 facing the corresponding hubs 3A, 3B, and fixed to the hubs by fasteners 41, and a circumferential surface 29; and an elastic member 22 provided to form a single component with the insert members 21A-21D such that the elastic member 22 at least partially covers the circumferential surface 29 of each insert member, and wherein the insert members 21A-21D include first insert members 21A, 21C fixed only to one of the hubs, and second insert members 21B, 21D fixed only to the other.