Rotary Alignment Coupling with Helical Grooves for Low-Wear Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for aligning parts in predetermined relative rotational positions around a coupling axis, such as drive and output shafts, suffer from undesirable stress and wear due to relative rotation under load, particularly in rotating states.
Innovation Solution
A rotational alignment system comprising first and second rotational alignment devices with cylindrical alignment surfaces and movable engagement elements preloaded by a spring device, allowing precise alignment through engagement with helical alignment grooves, ensuring seamless positive connections and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positive connection is ensured in rotating state, then alignment precision is improved, but stress and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the alignment surfaces and engagement elements before the rotating state is achieved. The alignment grooves and engagement elements are positioned in advance on the alignment surfaces, so that when the coupling occurs, the alignment is already established, eliminating the need for alignment during rotation and thereby reducing stress and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment surfaces with helical alignment grooves serve as an intermediary mechanism between the two coupling parts. These grooves guide the engagement elements into the correct rotational position before the positive connection is fully established, mediating the alignment process and preventing direct stress on the final connection during rotation.
2Manufacturing precision
If engagement elements are preloaded by spring device, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device automatically preloads the engagement elements onto the alignment surfaces without requiring external intervention. The engagement elements are self-actuating, moving onto the alignment grooves under spring force as the coupling parts approach each other, thereby achieving accurate alignment through self-service rather than complex external positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device creates an equipotential condition by maintaining constant contact force between the engagement elements and the alignment surfaces. This ensures that the engagement elements remain firmly positioned on the alignment grooves throughout the coupling process, achieving consistent alignment accuracy without requiring complex active control systems.
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 accurate alignment of parts in predetermined rotational positions with minimal stress and wear, facilitating smooth transfer of rotational movements between connected elements.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement element is preloaded by a spring device to engage one of the n alignment grooves
Data Source
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AI summary
The rotational alignment system (1) according to the invention comprises a first and a second rotational alignment device (2, 3) with a first and a second cylindrical alignment surface, respectively. A number of n alignment grooves (4) are arranged on the first alignment surface (2b), and at least one movable engagement element (5) preloaded by a spring device (6) to engage one of the n alignment grooves (4) is arranged on the second alignment surface (3b), where n is a positive integer corresponding to a number of relative rotational positions of the combined rotational alignment devices (2, 3). Each alignment groove (4) extends helically over an angular range of at least 360°/n. With the rotational alignment system (1) according to the invention, parts to be coupled can be aligned to one another in relative rotational positions about a coupling axis.