Print Bar Compensation Coupling for Flexible Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compensation couplings, such as those used in digital printing machines, are limited by allowing only a few angular positions for coupling due to their 90° angular offset, making them unsuitable for applications requiring varied angular alignments between components like screws and shafts.
Innovation Solution
A compensation coupling design featuring a first coupling half with spring claws and a second coupling half with toothing, where the spring claws have a different pitch than the toothing, allowing for elastic deformation and increased angular positioning flexibility, minimizing play, and compensating for misalignments and axial offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 90° angular offset coupling is used, then the coupling members can be fitted into one another with elastic deformation, but the coupling members can be inserted into one another in only few angular positions relative to one another
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate coupling halves: a first coupling half with spring claws and a second coupling half with toothing. This segmentation allows each half to have optimized features for its specific function, enabling multiple angular positions while maintaining structural integrity and elastic deformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring claws have a different pitch than the toothing, creating an asymmetric relationship between the two coupling halves. This asymmetry allows the spring claws to engage with the toothing at multiple different angular positions, providing versatility while the elastic deformation accommodates the misalignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring claws with different pitch than toothing are used, then coupling in more angular positions is enabled, but play in the compensation coupling must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch of the spring claws is deliberately made different from the pitch of the toothing. This parameter change enables the spring claws to engage with the toothing at multiple angular positions while the elastic deformation of the spring claws compensates for the pitch difference, minimizing play and ensuring reliable torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring claws are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position during engagement with the toothing. This dynamic capability enables the coupling to accommodate multiple angular positions while maintaining firm engagement and minimizing play through the elastic deformation.
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
Enables coupling in a variety of angular positions, ensuring reliable torque transmission and self-locking action, thus addressing the limitations of previous couplings by allowing for more flexible and precise alignment of components in digital printing machines.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupling half and a second coupling half which may be fitted into one another under elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
the spring claws transmit torque and compensate for a misalignment or alignment deviations between axes of rotation of the coupling halves
Data Source
AI summary
A print bar for inkjet printing includes print heads disposed in a row, adjustment devices for adjusting the print heads relative to one another in which each of the adjustment devices includes at least one screw and at least one shaft for rotating the at least one screw, and a compensation coupling interconnecting the screw and the shaft. The compensation coupling includes a first coupling half and a second coupling half configured to fit together under elastic deformation. The first coupling half includes spring claws having a first pitch and the first coupling half is disposed on the shaft. The second coupling half including a toothing having a second pitch and the second coupling half is disposed on the screw. The first and second pitches differ from one another.