Keyless Locking Coupling With Anti-Friction Liner for Lower Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Keyless locking devices (KLDs) face challenges with high frictional loss between tapered surfaces, leading to increased installation torque requirements and reduced radial forces, due to high coefficients of friction, typically around 0.10 for steel on steel surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with reciprocally inclined surfaces and an anti-friction liner, such as an anti-friction fabric, is designed to minimize the coefficient of friction between the surfaces, allowing for reduced installation torque and increased radial forces by using a positioning/retaining element like a nut or bolt to apply axial movement and generate radial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If steel on steel tapered surfaces are used in keyless locking devices, then the device structure is simple and durable, but the coefficient of friction is high (approximately 0.10), requiring increased installation torque and reducing radial forces
Solution Approach 1:
A PTFE liner is introduced as an intermediary material between the tapered surfaces of the keyless locking device. This liner acts as a mediator that reduces direct metal-to-metal contact, lowering the coefficient of friction from 0.10 to approximately 0.04-0.06, thereby reducing frictional energy loss while maintaining the structural integrity of the original device
Solution Approach 2:
The coefficient of friction parameter is changed by replacing the steel-on-steel interface with a PTFE-lined interface. This material substitution fundamentally alters the friction characteristics, reducing the CoF from 0.10 to 0.04-0.06, which directly addresses the energy loss issue without compromising the device's mechanical function
2Ease of manufacture
If steel on steel tapered surfaces are used in keyless locking devices, then the device structure is simple and durable, but the installation torque requirement is high
Solution Approach 1:
The PTFE liner serves as a low-friction intermediary that reduces the torque required for installation. By lining the tapered surfaces with PTFE, the device maintains its simple structural design while the liner reduces the frictional resistance during the tightening process, lowering the installation torque requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The high-friction characteristic is extracted and removed from the system by introducing the PTFE liner. This allows the base device structure to remain simple and durable while the liner specifically addresses the friction issue, separating the structural integrity function from the friction reduction function
3Loss of energy
If a PTFE liner is added to reduce friction, then the coefficient of friction decreases (to approximately 0.04-0.06), but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thin PTFE liner or film is applied to the tapered surfaces to reduce friction. This thin-film approach minimizes the addition of structural complexity while achieving the desired friction reduction. The liner can be a simple cylindrical wrap or thin coating that conforms to the existing tapered geometry without requiring major design changes
Solution Approach 2:
The PTFE liner is implemented as a relatively simple, potentially replaceable component that addresses the friction issue without permanently complicating the device structure. The liner can be installed as a consumable element that maintains the original device's simplicity while providing the friction reduction benefit
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 achieves a significantly lower coefficient of friction, approximately 0.02, making the coupling device easier to install and requiring less torque, while enhancing performance by generating increased radial forces.
Implementation Method 1
A coupling device with reciprocally inclined surfaces and an anti-friction liner, such as an anti-friction fabric, is designed to minimize the coefficient of friction between the surfaces
Implementation Method 2
Keyless locking devices operate using a tapered surface, or wedge principle. Some devices operate via the application of an axial force to engage rings with reciprocal tapers resulting in a wedge action creating a radial force on the tapered rings
Data Source
AI summary
A devices for coupling or mounting machine elements with a minimized coefficient of friction, as well as methods of minimizing the coefficient of friction in said devices are described herein. The device includes reciprocal inclined surfaces with a liner for minimizing friction therebetween. The liner, or liners, include an anti-friction fabric for reducing friction between the inclined surfaces.