Rotary Coupling Device with Pivoting Rollers for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices that use obstacles for rotary connection between two shafts require synchronization of speeds to engage, leading to potential noise and damage issues if synchronization is not achieved.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a plate having radial housings and a roller carrier with rotatable rollers that can penetrate into the housings, allowing for a rotary connection without precise speed synchronization, using an actuator to move the roller carrier axially and engage the rollers with the plate's surface, which then drop into the housings to form a connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional obstacle-type coupling is used, then rotary connection between two shafts is achieved, but speed synchronization is required leading to engagement noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates rollers that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation during engagement. The rollers are mounted on pivoting arms that allow them to self-align with the recesses in the star-shaped member, enabling smooth engagement without requiring precise speed synchronization between the two shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller elements act as intermediary components between the two coupling members. Instead of direct obstacle-to-obstacle contact, the rollers mediate the engagement process by rolling into the recesses and gradually establishing the rotary connection, which reduces impact and noise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If speed synchronization is implemented, then engagement noise is reduced, but device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning through the pivoting roller arms. As the members engage, the rollers automatically pivot to find their recesses without requiring external synchronization control systems. The geometry of the engagement path ensures smooth coupling even with speed variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the engagement parameters by allowing angular adjustment of the rollers during the coupling process. This parameter flexibility (angular position of rollers) enables the system to accommodate speed variations between shafts without requiring precise speed matching.
3Strength
If precise speed synchronization is required, then member damage is prevented, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting roller mechanism provides a cushioning effect during engagement. The rollers gradually enter the recesses through a controlled pivoting motion, which cushions the engagement process and prevents sudden impacts that could damage the members, eliminating the need for precise speed synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting capability of the roller arms allows the coupling to accommodate speed variations during engagement. This dynamic adjustment maintains member durability by ensuring smooth contact throughout the engagement process, while simultaneously improving ease of operation.
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 selective rotation of one shaft by another without the need for accurate synchronization, reducing engagement noise and risk of damage, as long as the speeds are not too far apart, and allows for easy decoupling by reversing the axial movement.
Implementation Method 1
the other one of the members carrying rollers that are mounted to rotate about radial axes to project from said element so that each of them can penetrate into any one of the housings when the members are engaged and can co-operate with the side faces of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A device for coupling together two elements mounted to rotate about a common axis of rotation (X) in order to enable one of the elements to be selectively driven in rotation by the other. There are two members (3, 4), one per element, the elements being axially movable relative to each other between a remote decoupled position and an engaged position in which the members provide a rotary connection between the two elements. One of the members forms a plate (3) having a face (P) perpendicular to the axis of rotation and in which a plurality of housings (15) are formed. The other one of the elements carrying rollers (23) that are mounted to rotate about radial axes to project from said element so that each of them can penetrate into any one of the housings and provide a rotary connection between the two members.