Shaft Coupling Arrangement Preventing Torque-Induced Breakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms for shafts are susceptible to breakage when high torque is applied, as they often rely on physical barriers that can be forced open, and they struggle to be compact and energy-efficient for battery-powered operation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling arrangement featuring a first and second shaft with a circular and sleeve-shaped coupling member, respectively, along with a selecting element and spherically shaped locking elements that allow for free rotation in the engaged configuration and disengagement, reducing susceptibility to torque-induced breakage and facilitating easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical barrier mechanism is used to prevent rotation, then security is improved, but the mechanism becomes susceptible to forced breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static physical barrier to a dynamic system where the first coupling member can rotate freely within the second coupling member when disengaged. The spherical locking elements dynamically move between locked (engaged) and unlocked (disengaged) positions, allowing the mechanism to adapt its state based on operational requirements rather than relying on rigid physical barriers that can be forced.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical locking elements act as intermediaries between the engaged and disengaged states. When positioned in the through-holes, they mediate the locked state by preventing relative rotation. When removed from the through-holes, they allow free rotation. This intermediary mechanism provides security without creating rigid physical barriers susceptible to forced breakage.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact coupling mechanism is designed for integration into handles or lock cylinders, then device size is reduced, but torque transmission reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first coupling member is nested within the second coupling member, with the outer surface of the first coupling member rotatably housed within the inner surface of the second coupling member. This nested arrangement achieves a compact design suitable for integration into handles or lock cylinders while maintaining reliable torque transmission through the engagement of spherical locking elements in the through-holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of spherical locking elements provides curved surfaces that distribute contact forces more evenly compared to flat or angular interfaces. The spherical shape allows for smooth engagement and disengagement while maintaining reliable torque transmission in the engaged state, and enables easy movement between states without requiring excessive force.
3Reliability
If a coupling mechanism uses significant energy to operate, then reliable engagement/disengagement is achieved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical locking elements are designed to be movable between the through-holes and the grooves on the outer surface of the first coupling member with minimal force requirement. The geometry of the through-holes and grooves allows the locking elements to be positioned into engagement or disengagement positions through simple rotational movement of the second coupling member, enabling reliable operation with minimal energy input from battery-powered actuators.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to a coupling arrangement for selectively engaging and disengaging a first and a second shaft extending coaxially along an axis A. The coupling arrangement comprises: a first coupling member, and a second coupling member comprising a sleeve shaped, wherein the first coupling member is configured to be rotatably housed within the sleeve shaped element; a selecting element; and at least one locking element; wherein the coupling arrangement is configured to assume an engaged configuration, and a disengaged configuration.