Multi-Link Offset Coupling for Synchronous Shaft Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplings, such as rigid and flexible couplings, are limited in accommodating large offsets between rotating shafts while maintaining synchronous operation, which is crucial for various mechanical applications.
Innovation Solution
An offset coupling design featuring a multi-link structure between two coupling discs, allowing for a large offset between rotating shafts by using a combination of radial bars and cranks that pivotally connect the discs, enabling synchronous operation even during deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rigid couplings are used to accurately transmit torque, then torque transmission precision is improved, but the ability to accommodate offset and declination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into multiple independent linkage groups (first, second, and third linkage groups), each comprising radial bars and cranks that can independently pivot. This segmentation allows each linkage group to independently accommodate offset while collectively maintaining torque transmission, resolving the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling employs dynamic linkage mechanisms with pivotal connections between radial bars and cranks, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration in real-time based on offset conditions. This dynamic capability enables the coupling to maintain both torque transmission precision and offset accommodation by adjusting its geometry during operation.
2Reliability
If flexible couplings are used to mitigate impact and absorb deviation, then shock absorption capability is improved, but the allowable deviation amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the coupling into multiple linkage groups that can independently pivot and adjust, the system can distribute and manage large deviations across multiple segments. This segmentation allows each linkage group to handle portion of the deviation while collectively accommodating larger overall offsets, overcoming the limitation of conventional flexible couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-linkage structure introduces additional degrees of freedom through pivotal connections, enabling the coupling to accommodate deviation in multiple dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the coupling to handle larger and more complex offset conditions while maintaining reliability through the distributed linkage mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-link structure is used to allow large offset, then offset accommodation capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple linkage groups are merged into a single integrated coupling structure that shares common components such as the coupling discs and pivotal connections. This merging approach allows the complex multi-linkage mechanism to achieve large offset accommodation while reducing overall complexity through component sharing and integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage groups are designed with universal pivotal connections that serve multiple functions: transmitting torque, accommodating offset, and providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high offset accommodation capability.
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 offset coupling effectively allows for a significant offset between rotating shafts while maintaining synchronous and constant speed operation, dispersing forces through multiple linkage groups to prolong service life and reduce friction.
Implementation Method 1
the multi-link structure includes a first linkage group, a second linkage group, and a third linkage group, the first linkage group includes a first radial bar and two first cranks respectively pivotally connected to two ends of the first radial bar
Implementation Method 2
the two first cranks of the first linkage group are respectively pivotally connected to the first pivoting portion and the fourth pivoting portion
Data Source
AI summary
An offset coupling includes a first coupling disc, a second coupling disc, and a multi-link structure. The first coupling disc includes a first pivoting portion, a second pivoting portion, and a third pivoting portion surround a first central axis. The second coupling disc includes a fourth pivoting portion, a fifth pivoting portion, and a sixth pivoting portion surround a second central axis. The multi-link structure includes a first linkage group, a second linkage group, and a third linkage group, two first cranks of the first linkage group are respectively pivotally connected to the first pivoting portion and the fourth pivoting portion, two second cranks of the second linkage group are respectively pivotally connected to the second pivoting portion and the fifth pivoting portion, and two third cranks of the third linkage group are respectively pivotally connected to the third pivoting portion and the sixth pivoting portion.