Segmented Shaft Coupling Buttons for Thick Wall Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical coupling devices face issues such as misplacement of independent pins or keys, detachment of threaded sections, and difficulty in decoupling due to the need for tools, especially in thick wall applications where rotational torque is transmitted, and the cylindrical button limits load transmission.
Innovation Solution
A shaft coupling device featuring dual buttons and a spring mechanism with button stops, allowing for easier engagement and disengagement without tools, even with thick wall applications, by biasing the buttons radially outward and preventing over-depression, thus enhancing torque capability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cylindrical button is used in a thick wall coupling device, then the coupling strength is improved, but it becomes difficult or impossible to depress the button by finger below the inner surface
Solution Approach 1:
The button is segmented into a head portion and a shaft portion. The head portion has a diameter larger than the shaft portion, creating a stepped configuration. This segmentation allows the finger to apply pressure to the larger head area, which provides sufficient leverage to depress the button through the thick wall, while the smaller shaft portion maintains the coupling strength when engaged in the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The button design adds a dimensional aspect by creating a stepped profile with different diameters along its length. The head portion extends radially outward to provide a larger surface area for finger engagement, while the shaft portion extends axially to engage the aperture. This dimensional change enables both easy operation and strong coupling.
2Device complexity
If a cylindrical button is used to couple shaft sections, then the coupling mechanism is simplified, but the button extending between male and female portions limits the load transmission capability
Solution Approach 1:
The button is divided into a head portion and a shaft portion with different diameters. The shaft portion that extends through the aperture has a reduced diameter, which reduces its vulnerability to torsional and axial loads. The head portion remains in the male coupling member and provides a larger load-bearing surface area, thereby improving overall load transmission capability while maintaining a relatively simple coupling mechanism.
3Device complexity
If an independent pin or key is used for coupling, then the coupling mechanism is simple, but the pin or key is often misplaced and/or requires a tool for implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The button is spring-loaded and automatically engages with the aperture when the male coupling member is inserted into the female coupling member. The spring biasing force automatically pushes the button outward to engage the aperture without requiring manual intervention or tools. This self-service mechanism eliminates the problems of misplacement and tool requirement associated with independent pins or keys.
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 dual button mechanism facilitates faster connection, increased torque capability, reduced likelihood of accidental disengagement, and improved control during operations, particularly in applications like chimney repairs where tools are used deep within inaccessible areas.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, the button stop, and at least a portion of the first and second buttons are disposed within the second cavity of the male couple section, with the spring disposed between the buttons, biasing the buttons radially outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft coupling device includes a first portion, a second portion, a pair of buttons, a biasing member, and at least one button stop. The first portion has a female couple section and a first device mounting section. The second portion has a male couple section and a second device mounting section. The male couple section is configured so as to be receivable within the cavity of the female couple section. The biasing member, the button stop, and at least a portion of the first and second buttons are disposed within the second cavity of the male couple section, with the biasing member disposed between the buttons, biasing the buttons radially outwardly. The button stop limits the radially inward travel of the buttons.