Transmission Output Shaft Support Using Nested Hollow-Shaft Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive-side transmission arrangements face challenges in withstanding high loads while maintaining compactness, often becoming overloaded and requiring significant space.

Innovation Solution

The transmission is supported by a torque arm, with the output shaft connected to the drive shaft in a torsionally rigid manner, using a hollow shaft design where the axial end of the drive shaft has a stub that fits within the hollow shaft, and a holding element clamps the flange to the output shaft, allowing for axial accessibility and efficient force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the transmission is supported by a torque arm and the output shaft is connected to the drive shaft in a rigid manner, then the transmission can withstand high loads (at least 90% of forces are supported), but the arrangement becomes more complex in terms of structural design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The output shaft is designed as a hollow shaft that is nested within the drive shaft, forming a compact concentric arrangement. The holding element is inserted through the hollow shaft to connect the two shafts, utilizing the hollow space for routing the connection mechanism. This nesting approach achieves rigid load-bearing connection while maintaining compact structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the output shaft is designed as a hollow shaft with a stub that fits within the drive shaft, then axial accessibility is improved and assembly is simplified, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The output shaft is segmented into a hollow shaft portion and a stub portion that extends axially. The holding element is designed as a separate component that can be inserted through the hollow shaft to secure the stub to the drive shaft. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where components can be inserted from the axially accessible side, while the manufacturing complexity is managed by dividing the structure into functional segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the holding element is designed as a one-piece annular retaining ring, then the connection strength and smooth running are improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element acts as an intermediary component that mediates the connection between the output shaft stub and the drive shaft. As a one-piece annular retaining ring, it provides continuous circumferential support and rigid connection strength. The design accepts that assembly requires insertion through the hollow shaft, but once installed, it provides superior connection strength and smooth running without the need for additional fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4237705B1Arrangement with a transmission and a working machine, method for simulation
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 FLENDER GMBH
  • EP4237705B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4237705B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (ARG) comprising a drive-side transmission (GER) with an output shaft (SHB) of the transmission (GER), which output shaft (SHB) extends along an axis (X), and comprising a work machine (WMS) with a drive shaft (SHN) connected rigidly in terms of rotation to the output shaft (SHB). To improve stability and in order to save space, it is proposed that the transmission (GER) is supported on the work machine (WMS) with regard to at least 90% of the forces generated during operation by means of the connection of the output shaft (SHB) to the drive shaft (SHN) and by means of a torque support (TSP), wherein the connection of the output shaft (SHB) to the drive shaft (SHN) is configured to be flexurally rigid for the purposes of supporting transverse forces, wherein the axial end of the drive shaft (SHN) is configured as a hollow shaft (HLW), wherein the axial end of the output shaft (SHB) has a stub (STP) that is arranged at least partially in the hollow shaft (HLW) of the drive shaft (SHN).