Power Transmission Shaft Elastic Shrinkable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power transmission shaft coupling processes require multiple time-consuming steps, reducing operational efficiency due to the need for circlip installation and alignment with annular grooves, which complicates the coupling between shaft members.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission shaft design featuring an annular stepped part on the shaft members and an elastically shrinkable cylindrical portion on the shaft unit, allowing for a simplified coupling mechanism where the engaging pawls latch onto the stepped part, reducing the number of necessary steps and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circlip is used to secure the shaft member to the universal joint, then the connection reliability is improved, but the coupling process complexity increases and operation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the circlip component from the coupling system. Instead of using a separate circlip to secure the shaft member, the design integrates a retaining ring directly into the universal joint structure that automatically engages with the shaft member during insertion, removing the need for separate circlip installation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the retaining function previously performed by a separate circlip with the universal joint structure itself. The retaining ring is integrated into the universal joint housing, combining the joint and retention functions into a single unified structure that simplifies the overall assembly process
2Reliability
If multiple operation steps are used for coupling the shaft member, then the connection security is improved, but the operation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is pre-configured in the universal joint structure in a position where it automatically engages with the shaft member during the insertion process. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for separate retention steps, allowing the shaft member to be secured simply by inserting it into the universal joint
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint structure performs the retention function automatically through its integrated retaining ring design. As the shaft member is inserted, the retaining ring self-activates to secure the connection without requiring external intervention or additional操作步骤, making the system self-sufficient
3Reliability
If an annular groove and circlip assembly are used for coupling, then the detachable connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate circlip component and its associated annular groove assembly from the design. The retaining ring is instead integrated directly into the universal joint housing, eliminating the need for separate grooves and circlips, which significantly reduces both manufacturing complexity and assembly time
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 new design significantly reduces the complexity and time required for coupling, ensuring a secure and efficient connection between the shaft members while maintaining mechanical strength and sealing effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically shrinkable cylindrical portion (32) that is provided by the cylindrical base portion (31) at a position opposite to the shaft unit (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmission shaft comprises a shaft unit interposed between first and second shafts; an engaged portion provided on one end of the second shaft and having an annular stepped part provided between a smaller diameter portion and a larger diameter portion; and an engaging portion provided on one end of the shaft unit and joinable with the engaged portion to rotate together about a common rotation axis, wherein the engaging portion comprises a cylindrical base portion that rotates together with the shaft unit, an elastically shrinkable cylindrical portion that is provided on one axial end of the cylindrical base portion to project toward the engaged portion and catching pawls that are provided by the elastically shrinkable cylindrical portion and latchingly engageable with the annular stepped part when the engaged portion and the engaging portion are coaxially arranged and joined with each other.