Rotational Coupling Layered Portion Shear Stress

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible in-shear couplings used in power generation systems experience reduced durability due to high shear stress and thermal stress, leading to frequent replacements and increased maintenance costs, as they transfer torque via shear forces rather than compression, which results in areas of high stress load and potential degradation.

Innovation Solution

A rotational coupling design featuring a layered portion with elastomeric and rigid materials, where the rigid portion includes radial protrusions that load shear stress-sensitive areas in compression, rather than shear, enhancing durability and thermal conductivity to manage stress and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flexible in-shear couplings transfer torque via shear forces, then torque transfer between machinery is achieved, but high shear stress causes areas of high stress load and potential degradation reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidshear stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling combines elastomeric material and rigid material in a layered composite structure. The elastomeric portions provide flexibility and torque transfer, while the rigid portions provide structural support and load distribution, creating a composite material system that resolves the contradiction between flexibility and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid portions are strategically positioned at specific locations within the coupling structure to provide local reinforcement exactly where high shear stress occurs. This local quality enhancement allows the coupling to withstand high stress loads without compromising the overall flexibility needed for torque transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If flexible in-shear couplings are used to transfer torque, then torque transmission between engine and load is enabled, but thermal stress and mechanical stress lead to wear and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidthermal stress and mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of elastomeric and rigid materials provides both torque transmission capability and resistance to thermal and mechanical stress. The rigid portions act as stress distributors that reduce the concentration of thermal and mechanical stresses, while the elastomeric portions maintain the necessary flexibility for power transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The layered structure acts as an intermediary between the high-stress regions and the surrounding material, distributing and mitigating the harmful effects of thermal and mechanical stress through the alternating elastomeric and rigid layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If rigid portions are added to the coupling structure, then durability and stress distribution are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is segmented into alternating elastomeric and rigid portions along its length, creating a modular layered structure. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while maintaining a relatively simple overall construction that can be manufactured as an integrated component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid portions have varying dimensions and configurations along the coupling structure, with parameters optimized for stress distribution at different locations. This parameter variation allows the structure to adapt to local stress conditions without requiring complex assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution increases the durability of flexible in-shear couplings by locally loading high stress areas in compression, reducing maintenance costs and improving system reliability and performance by maintaining desired torsional softness and thermal management.

Implementation Method 1

the rigid portion includes radial protrusions that load shear stress-sensitive areas in compression, rather than shear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress transformation (shear to compression):

Implementation Method 2

improving system reliability and performance by maintaining desired torsional softness and thermal management

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9803698B2System and method having coupling with layered portion

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 AI ALPINE US BIDCO INC

AI summary

A system includes a rotational coupling including a first rotational joint, a second rotational joint, and a coupling body disposed between the first and second rotational joints. The coupling body includes first and second body portions disposed about a rotational axis, and a layered portion disposed about the rotational axis radially between the first and second body portions. The layered portion includes first and second elastomeric portions disposed about the rotational axis, and a rigid portion disposed about the rotational axis radially between the first and second elastomeric portions. The rigid portion includes a plurality of radial protrusions.