Two-Component Shaft Collar Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaft collars require tools to secure them in place, making it difficult for young children to assemble mechanical toys, as they lack the dexterity to tighten tiny screws.
Innovation Solution
A two-component shaft collar design featuring a resilient elastomeric first component with a central bore and a stiffer plastic second component with opposing ribs and C-shaped caps, allowing tool-free assembly and secure placement on a shaft or axle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a set screw style shaft collar is used, then the shaft collar can be securely fastened to the shaft, but it requires a tool and adult dexterity to tighten the screw
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft collar is designed to be self-fastening through friction between the elastomeric material and the shaft, eliminating the need for screws or tools. The collar simply slides onto the shaft and secures itself through the elastic friction mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical screw-fastening system is replaced with an elastic friction-based securing mechanism. The elastomeric material provides sufficient friction to hold the collar in place without requiring any fastening hardware or tools.
2Reliability
If a clamping style collar is used, then the collar can be locked into place, but it requires tool operation to compress the collar
Solution Approach 1:
The collar automatically secures itself to the shaft through the elastic properties of the elastomeric material. As the collar is slid onto the shaft, the material deforms and creates friction that locks it in place without requiring external compression or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties are changed from rigid to elastomeric, allowing the collar to deform elastically when slid onto the shaft and maintain secure positioning through friction. This parameter change enables tool-free assembly while maintaining reliable fastening.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient elastomeric material is used for the shaft collar, then tool-free assembly is enabled, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft collar combines elastomeric material for the main body with a rigid reinforcement component featuring ribs and C-shaped caps. This composite structure provides both the elastic properties needed for tool-free assembly and the structural strength required for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement component is positioned specifically within the elastomeric material at locations requiring additional strength. The ribs and C-shaped caps provide localized structural support while the elastomeric material maintains its friction-based securing function.
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
Enables easy assembly and secure positioning of components by children without tools, reducing friction and heat generation while accommodating various materials, facilitating the use of mechanical toys.
Implementation Method 1
The first component is made from a resilient elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
enables easy assembly and secure positioning of components
Implementation Method 3
The second component having a higher stiffness than the first component
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment there is provided a shaft collar having a two component structure defined by a first component having a central bore for receipt of a shaft or axle and a second component positioned partially within the first component. The second component also having a relatively harder stiffness than the first component. The second component further includes a pair of opposing ribs positioned within the first component and about the central bore and a pair of C-shaped caps separately positioned against upper and lower ends of the pair of ribs and wherein the pair of opposing ribs have a height such that the at least a portion of the pair of C-shaped caps protrude from the upper and lower faces of the first component.