Shaft Adapter with Non-Circular Axial Section for Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft adapter units have limitations in load capacity and structural efficiency, particularly in reducing axial dimensions and managing transverse forces during torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A shaft adapter unit with a gear cover and hub, featuring two axially spaced shaft bearings, a non-circular axial section for form-fitting connection, and oil passage openings for lubrication, along with a base body in the shape of a truncated cone and reinforcing walls for increased stability and torsional rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shaft adapter is supported by two axially spaced shaft bearings with a non-circular axial section arranged between them, then the load capacity and guidance of the form-fitting connection is improved, but the axial dimensions and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shaft adapter, two shaft bearings, and the non-circular axial section into a single integrated component. The shaft adapter serves multiple functions: supporting the plug-in shaft via form-fitting connection, providing bearing surfaces for the two shaft bearings, and transmitting torque. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the improved load capacity and guidance provided by the dual-bearing arrangement with the non-circular section positioned between them.
2Reliability
If the non-circular axial section is arranged axially between the two shaft bearings, then the guidance and load capacity of the form-fitting connection is improved, but the axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by implementing a non-circular axial section (such as oval or rectangular) instead of a circular section. This non-circular geometry provides improved guidance in both radial directions without requiring increased axial length. The shaft bearings are positioned axially spaced on opposite sides of the non-circular section, allowing the form-fitting connection to benefit from enhanced guidance while maintaining compact axial dimensions through efficient use of radial space.
3Reliability
If oil passage openings are formed in the hub, then the lubrication of shaft bearings is improved, but the structural integrity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces oil passage openings in the hub as intermediary channels to deliver lubricating oil to the shaft bearings. These passages act as mediators between the external lubrication system and the bearing contact surfaces. The oil passages are strategically positioned to provide effective lubrication without significantly compromising the structural integrity of the hub, as the passages are designed with appropriate dimensions and positioning to maintain sufficient material strength while enabling reliable lubrication delivery.
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 enhances load capacity, reduces axial dimensions, improves guidance and form-fitting connection, and provides a space-saving arrangement while effectively managing transverse forces and ensuring reliable lubrication, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the shaft adapter unit.
Implementation Method 1
two axially spaced shaft bearings (5, 6) support the shaft adapter (3) in the hub (4)
Implementation Method 2
the shaft bearings (5, 6) can be supplied with lubricating oil
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In the case of a shaft adapter unit (1), it is provided that, in a receiving bore (9) of a shaft adapter (3), a non-circular axial portion (10) is provided for a positively locking, rotationally conjoint connection to a plug-in shaft, wherein the non-circular axial portion (10) is arranged axially between two shaft bearings (5, 6) of the shaft adapter (3).