3D Lattice Elastic Coupling for Lightweight High-Speed Drive Trains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elastic couplings in drive trains face challenges in optimizing material usage, weight reduction, and integration for high-speed applications, particularly in minimizing reaction forces and improving elastic properties while maintaining effective heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

An elastic coupling device featuring a lattice structure that integrates an open-cell lattice section between drive train sections, eliminating separate elastomer components and ensuring elasticity through a three-dimensional lattice structure that facilitates weight reduction, efficient heat dissipation, and robust torque transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate elastomer components are used for elastic coupling sections, then elasticity and vibration damping are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveelasticityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the elastomer component with the metallic coupling components into a single integrated structure. The elastomer is directly bonded to the metal surfaces, eliminating the need for separate elastomer parts and reducing assembly steps while maintaining elastic coupling functionality and vibration damping properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If traditional metallic components are used, then strength and rigidity are ensured, but weight becomes excessive for high-speed applications

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite construction by combining metallic components with elastomer materials. This composite approach allows the structure to leverage the high strength and rigidity of metals in load-bearing areas while using the elastomer for flexibility and vibration damping, achieving an optimal strength-to-weight ratio for high-speed applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If material cross-section is increased for strength, then load capacity improves, but heat dissipation capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload capacityVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the material composition and cross-sectional properties at different locations. The metallic components provide structural strength where needed, while elastomer sections are positioned to facilitate heat dissipation through their thermal properties and contact surfaces, creating a balanced structure that simultaneously achieves load capacity and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 lattice structure design achieves significant weight reduction, improved heat dissipation, and extended service life by eliminating separate elastomer components, while maintaining effective torque transmission and compensation for misalignment and vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic coupling section is formed by a lattice structure of three-dimensional space cells extending at least also in the radial direction, which bridges at least one axial section of the coupling device in a torque-transmitting manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The lattice structure design achieves significant weight reduction, improved heat dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The lattice structure design achieves significant weight reduction, improved heat dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4686854A1Elastic coupling device with elastic grid structure made of three-dimensional space cells, drive train equipped therewith, as well as manufacturing process, computer program product and use

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 HERWARTH REICH

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

Elastic couplings for drive trains must meet high demands in numerous applications and be capable of application-specific optimization. At high speeds, the requirements become even more stringent, for example, regarding heat management, service life, and inertia effects. An elastic coupling device for drive trains is provided, comprising a first coupling side that can be coupled to a first section of the corresponding drive train and a second coupling side that can be coupled to a second section of the drive train. At least one elastic coupling section is formed between the first and second coupling sides, which is formed by a lattice structure of three-dimensional space cells extending at least in the radial direction and bridging at least one axial section of the coupling device without additional components.This allows for an advantageous compromise, particularly regarding material usage and variability in defining the elastic properties. The present invention further relates to a drive train with at least one such elastic coupling device installed therein, as well as a method for manufacturing such an elastic coupling device, and the use of a lattice structure for providing one/the elastic coupling section.