Multi-Plate Coupling Fastening Structure for Fatigue Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-plate couplings experience wear and tear due to continuous loading at a single point, leading to fatigue and potential breakage, especially in applications requiring torque transmission with shaft displacement.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates noncircular fastening bores and positive-locking elements with linear bending edges, distributing compressive force over a distance and providing a torsion-proof stop to prevent misalignment, thereby enhancing torque capacity and shaft misalignment tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circular collars or rings are used in multi-plate couplings, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the continuous loading at a single point causes fatigue and wear leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by replacing the conventional circular collar or ring with a polygonal shape (e.g., hexagonal). This asymmetric geometry transforms the continuous circular contact into discrete point contacts at the vertices, distributing the compressive force from the plate pack crown across multiple locations rather than concentrating it at a single point. This resolves the technical contradiction by improving reliability through force distribution while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for polygonal shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous circular contact interface into discrete segmental contacts at the vertices of the polygonal collar or ring. This segmentation transforms the single-point loading into multi-point loading, effectively distributing the compressive force across several locations around the plate pack crown. This resolves the technical contradiction by improving reliability through force distribution while the segmented polygonal structure remains relatively simple to manufacture.
2Strength
If circular collars or rings are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the permissible torque and shaft misalignment range are limited due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using polygonal collars or rings instead of circular ones. This asymmetric geometry creates multiple vertices that serve as contact points, distributing the compressive force and reducing stress concentration at any single location. This allows the coupling to withstand higher torque loads and greater shaft misalignment without excessive stress, thereby improving strength while the polygonal shapes remain relatively simple to manufacture using standard machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a continuous one-dimensional circular contact to a discrete multi-point contact distribution around the circumference. This dimensional transformation from continuous to discrete contact allows the force to be distributed across multiple locations, reducing stress concentration and increasing the permissible torque capacity and shaft misalignment range while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If continuous loading at a single point occurs, then the structure is simple, but the plate pack material becomes fatigued and susceptible to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by replacing the circular collar or ring with a polygonal shape, which transforms the single-point continuous loading into multi-point intermittent loading. The vertices of the polygon distribute the compressive force across multiple locations on the plate pack crown, preventing fatigue and wear at any single point. This improves reliability while the polygonal structure remains relatively simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the polygonal collar or ring geometry, where the discrete vertices create periodic contact points around the circumference. As the coupling operates, the compressive force is periodically distributed across these discrete points rather than continuously applied at one location, reducing fatigue and wear on the plate pack material while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-plate coupling includes two connecting flanges and an intermediate member arranged between the connecting flanges. A plate pack crown is arranged between each of the connecting flanges and the intermediate member. The plate pack crown is alternately connected to the associated connecting flange and the intermediate member by screw fasteners which are guided through continuous fastening bores arranged in the plate pack crown. At least one of the fastening bores of the plate pack crown has a contour diverging from the circular shape. A positive-locking element having a corresponding outer contour is inserted into the fastening bore. A component bears on the outer contour of the positive-locking element in a positive-locking manner and provides a bending edge for the plate pack crown.