Rigid Coupling Transmission for Compressor Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile compressor installations driven by combustion engines face issues with torsional vibrations and alignment errors, leading to noise, damage, and increased complexity due to the need for elastic couplings, which are costly and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system with a rigid coupling between the combustion engine and compressor element, where the distance between the driveshaft and driven shaft is greater than the sum of the pitch circles' radii, eliminating the need for an elastic coupling and allowing for a more compact, cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic coupling is used between the combustion engine and driveshaft to dampen torsional vibrations and absorb alignment errors, then the torsional vibrations and alignment deviations are kept under control, but the device becomes larger, more expensive, and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration damping function from the coupling mechanism itself and transfers it to the foundation through isolated mounting points. The elastic elements are removed from the transmission path and relocated to the foundation isolation system, simplifying the transmission while maintaining vibration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary foundation isolation system with elastic mounting points between the combustion engine and the ground. This intermediary system absorbs torsional vibrations and alignment errors before they reach the transmission, replacing the need for an elastic coupling within the transmission itself.
2Reliability
If an elastic coupling is used to absorb alignment errors and eccentric motion, then the gears are protected from jamming and wear, but the device becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment error absorption function from the gear coupling and relocates it to the foundation isolation system. The elastic mounting points on the foundation absorb eccentric motion and alignment deviations, allowing the use of rigid gear couplings without the need for heavy elastic coupling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by mounting the combustion engine on elastic elements attached to the foundation. This pre-cushions alignment errors and eccentric motions before they are transmitted to the driveshaft and gears, protecting the gear system in advance without requiring heavy protective couplings.
3Device complexity
If a rigid coupling is used between the combustion engine and driveshaft, then the device becomes more compact and simpler, but torsional vibrations and alignment errors cause noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary foundation isolation system that acts as a mediator between the rigid coupling and the external environment. The elastic mounting points on the foundation absorb torsional vibrations and prevent them from propagating through the rigid coupling into the transmission system, eliminating noise and damage risks while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful rigid coupling into a benefit by using the foundation as a vibration sink. The rigid coupling efficiently transmits power, while the elastic foundation mounting points capture and dissipate torsional vibrations, turning what would be a harmful vibration path into an effective power transmission system with controlled vibration isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
Transmission between a combustion engine with a crankshaft and a compressor element with driven shaft, whereby this transmission includes a housing and at least one driven gear and driveshaft with a drive gear, wherein the driveshaft of the transmission is connected to the crankshaft of the combustion engine by means of a rigid coupling, and the distance between the driveshaft and the driven shaft is greater than a sum of the radii of a plurality of pitch circles of the drive gear and the driven gear.