Shaft Connection Assembly Using Adapter Device and Serrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft connection methods in motor vehicles face challenges such as high mass, increased installation space, and complexity due to flange connections, and difficulties in axial securing and centering in direct connections.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement featuring an adapter device with a continuous cutout and cup-like interior for guiding the shaft, internal toothing for rotational fixation, face serrations for torque transmission, and axial fixation using screws and a union nut, allowing for a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-assemble connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flange connections are used for shaft connections, then backlash-free connection through frictional locking is achieved, but mass and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of flange connections (backlash-free torque transmission) and implements it directly on the shaft through circumferential grooves and locking elements, eliminating the separate flange components and their associated mass
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft connection is segmented into functional zones: circumferential grooves for frictional locking, axial grooves for positioning, and locking elements for securing, allowing each function to be implemented efficiently without requiring a complete flange structure
2Reliability
If flange connections are used for shaft connections, then backlash-free connection through frictional locking is achieved, but installation space in diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the radial extension characteristic of flanges and concentrates the connection functionality within the shaft's cylindrical body using grooves and locking elements, significantly reducing the radial space requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from radial expansion (flanges extending outward) to axial integration (grooves and locking elements within the shaft length), moving the solution to a different spatial dimension
3Ease of manufacture
If flange connections are used for shaft connections, then simple realization of centering and fastening is achieved, but installation effort increases due to need for several screws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated locking element that simultaneously provides centering, axial positioning, and torque transmission, eliminating the need for multiple separate screws
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it centers the shaft, provides axial fixation, transmits torque, and secures the connection, replacing what would traditionally require several different fastening components
4Weight of moving object
If direct shaft connections are used, then mass is reduced and installation space is minimized, but axial securing becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft surface is segmented into circumferential grooves for frictional locking and axial grooves for positioning, creating distinct functional zones that collectively provide both torque transmission and axial securing in a compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary component that engages with the grooved shaft surface to provide axial securing, while the grooves themselves mediate between the shaft and locking element to enable both radial and axial constraint
5Weight of moving object
If direct shaft connections are used, then mass is reduced and installation space is minimized, but compromise between easy assembly (clearance) and freedom from play (oversize fit) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into clearance-fit grooves for easy assembly and interference-fit locking elements for play-free operation, allowing both assembly ease and freedom from play to be achieved through different functional zones
Solution Approach 2:
Different local qualities are applied to different parts of the connection: circumferential grooves provide frictional locking for torque transmission, while axial grooves provide positioning for centering, with the locking element providing interference fit for play elimination
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 provides a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-assemble shaft connection that effectively transmits torque while ensuring axial fixation and centering, reducing installation effort and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the torque can be transmitted between the shaft and the adapter device in this way
Implementation Method 2
The adapter device is fixed against rotations on the shaft via this internal toothing
Implementation Method 3
an external thread on the end face of the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting a shaft (1) to a component (2), wherein at least one adapter device (3) is provided. The adapter device (3) and the shaft (1) can be connected to each other at least by frictional and/or positive locking. Furthermore, a contact surface (20) of the component (2) and a contact surface (30) of the adapter device (3) are designed to fit each other. A face-mounted splined connection or a longitudinal spline forms the contact surface (20) of the component (2).