Drive Coupler Using Rubber Element for Angular and Length Deviation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive couplers for agricultural harvesting machines and attachments are maintenance-intensive, susceptible to wear, and unable to effectively compensate for both angular and length deviations without additional support, leading to inefficiencies and rough running during operation.
Innovation Solution
A drive coupler utilizing constant velocity joints and a compression spring to maintain alignment and compensate for angular and length deviations, eliminating the need for additional support and ensuring a maintenance-free, compact, and easy-to-install design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If universal joints and compression springs are used for length compensation, then length deviation compensation is achieved, but the device becomes maintenance-intensive and susceptible to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical universal joint and compression spring system with a rubber element that provides both length compensation and angular deviation compensation through its elastic properties. This substitution eliminates the maintenance-intensive profile connection and universal joints while maintaining the length compensation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it compensates for length deviations, compensates for angular deviations, and provides damping. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate components (universal joints for angular compensation and compression springs for length compensation), reducing maintenance requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional support elements are used to prevent buckling, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional support elements and buckling prevention mechanisms from the design. The rubber element's inherent elastic properties and the redesigned coupling geometry provide structural stability without requiring extra support components, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal components to elastic rubber material. This parameter change allows the coupling to maintain structural stability through material elasticity rather than through additional geometric support structures, reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If open design with profile connection is used for length compensation, then length adjustment is achieved, but wear susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rubber element (flexible element) to replace the open profile connection design. The rubber element provides length adjustment capability through its elastic deformation while being enclosed and protected, eliminating the wear susceptibility of exposed profile connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical profile connection system with an elastic rubber element system. This replacement eliminates the sliding contact and friction wear associated with profile connections while maintaining the length adjustment function through elastic deformation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If constant velocity joints are used for angular deviation compensation, then angular alignment is improved, but the device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber element provides both length compensation and angular deviation compensation simultaneously. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate components (compression springs for length and constant velocity joints for angular alignment), achieving angular alignment without increasing overall coupling length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the constant velocity joint mechanism with an elastic rubber element that achieves angular alignment through material flexibility and geometric design. This substitution eliminates the need for complex constant velocity joint structures, thereby reducing the coupling length.
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 drive coupler provides reliable, self-aligning, and automatic coupling of drive trains, ensuring smooth operation even with deviations in angle and length, while being maintenance-free and reducing wear and installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring which is set up, due to its installation position prestressed between the outer flanges of the constant velocity joints, to prevent the at least one constant velocity joint from angling and to align the drive coupler in a linearly stretched position overall without support
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive coupler (5) for the automatic, positive-locking connection of a drive train, in particular between self-propelled agricultural harvesting machines (1) or carrier vehicles and implements (2), wherein the drive coupler (5) has at least one constant velocity joint (12) as a means of compensating for angular and length deviations.