Reversible Driveline Coupler Saddle for Multi-Shaft Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driveline couplers are not adaptable to work with different sizes and shapes of drive shafts, such as square and round shafts, and lack modularity, making them difficult to use in various field applications and requiring multiple components for adaptation.

Innovation Solution

A driveline coupler with a reversible saddle that can be easily configured to work with different sizes and shapes of drive shafts, including square, round, and triangular shafts, by simply reversing the saddle, allowing for quick adaptation and interchangeability with other brands and types of couplers, without the need for shims.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed-design driveline coupler is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different sizes and shapes of drive shafts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different shaft sizes and shapesVSAvoidcoupler structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is divided into separate modular components: a body member and a reversible saddle. The saddle can be independently removed and reinstalled in different orientations to accommodate various shaft configurations, allowing the coupler to adapt to different shaft sizes and shapes without redesigning the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reversible saddle introduces dynamic adaptability to the otherwise static coupler structure. By allowing the saddle to be reversed or repositioned, the coupler can dynamically adjust to different operational requirements and shaft configurations, transforming from a fixed design to an adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized couplers are used for different shaft types, then each coupler can be optimized for its specific function, but the total number of components and inventory requirements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various shaft configurationsVSAvoidnumber of coupler variants required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The reversible saddle enables a single coupler design to perform multiple functions by accommodating different shaft types (square, round, triangular) and configurations. This universal design eliminates the need for maintaining multiple specialized coupler variants in inventory, as one coupler can serve all shaft configuration needs through saddle repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If field adaptation requires shims or additional components, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the ease of operation and quick adaptation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidfield adaptation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding shims or additional components to achieve alignment, the design inverts the approach by making the primary coupling component (the saddle) reversible and adaptable. The saddle itself is designed to accommodate various shaft configurations directly through its reversible nature, eliminating the need for auxiliary alignment components like shims.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11723322B2Dynamic reversible multi-cross section universal modular driveline coupler

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 SANTIESTEBAN THEODORE GEORGE

AI summary

Apparatus and method for an improved driveline coupler having a reversible saddle thereon which allows it to be configured to work with different sizes and shapes of shafts. The reversible saddle is configured on one side to work with one size of driveline shaft and configured on the opposite side to work with a different size driveline shaft so that in the field, an operator can modify the driveline coupler from use with a first size of drive shaft to a second size of drive shaft easily and quickly by turning the saddle upside down.