Inside-Out Flexible Coupling Assembly With Outer-Diameter Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible couplings are heavy and costly to manufacture, necessitating a design that is lighter and more cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A flexible coupling assembly comprising two circular disks with a central portion featuring a narrowing and widening section in a radial direction, connected at the outer diameter and disconnected at the inner diameter, which are welded together and surrounded by a protective sleeve, with protrusions for protection and venting holes to prevent gas and liquid entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional flexible coupling designs are used with end protrusions and adapters attaching to the inner diameter, then the coupling provides adequate structural support, but the coupling becomes heavier and more expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional attachment approach by moving from inner-diameter attachment to outer-diameter attachment. The flexible members now attach to the outer diameter of the coupling members rather than the inner diameter, fundamentally changing the structural approach and enabling weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are segmented into distinct functional zones: a central portion for structural support, an outer diameter attachment portion for connecting flexible members, and a reduced inner diameter portion. This segmentation allows optimization of each zone for its specific function, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength where needed
2Volume of moving object
If the central portion includes a narrowing section and widening section in radial direction, then the coupling achieves reduced size and weight, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members feature local quality variations with a narrowing section and widening section in the radial direction of the central portion. These localized geometric changes optimize material distribution - concentrating material where structural support is needed (widening section) and removing material where it is not needed (narrowing section), achieving weight reduction without compromising overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the radial dimension of the central portion, transitioning between narrowing and widening sections. This continuous variation in radial parameters allows optimization of the coupling's mass distribution and structural efficiency, achieving reduced volume while maintaining necessary strength through carefully controlled geometric transitions
3Reliability
If protective sleeve is added around the first and second circular disks, then the coupling gains protection against debris and corrosion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective sleeve is added around the first and second circular disks to provide environmental protection. This thin-walled protective enclosure shields the internal components from debris, moisture, and corrosion without significantly increasing the overall device complexity or size, maintaining the coupling's streamlined profile while enhancing reliability
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 solution results in a lighter, more reliable, and cost-effective flexible coupling with improved manufacturability, reduced size and weight, and enhanced protection against debris and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
The first disk and the second disk are welded together
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible coupling assembly for a power transmission system includes a first circular disk defining a u-shaped radial cross-section including a first leg and a second leg connected at an inner diameter thereof circumscribing an axial bore of the flexible coupling and disconnected at an outer diameter of the first circular disk configured to connect to a first rotating member interface and a second circular disk defining a u-shaped radial cross-section including a first leg and a second leg connected at an inner diameter thereof circumscribing the axial bore of the flexible coupling and disconnected at an outer diameter of the first circular disk configured to connect to a first rotating member interface.