Shaft Coupling Layout With Elastic Sections to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems with multiple coupling elements between input and output shafts tend to jam due to assembly and manufacturing tolerances, leading to inefficiencies and torque variations.
Innovation Solution
The drive system incorporates at least two coupling elements, with at least one having an elastically deformable section made of a different material or cross-section than adjacent sections, allowing for flexible alignment compensation and precise torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple coupling elements are used between input and output shafts, then torque transmission is enabled, but jamming occurs due to assembly and manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates an elastically deformable section that changes its physical state through elastic deformation. This allows the coupling element to adapt to alignment deviations and tolerance variations dynamically during operation, preventing jamming while maintaining reliable torque transmission between the shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is constructed as a composite structure with at least two different materials or cross-sections: a rigid section for structural integrity and torque transmission, and an elastically deformable section for accommodating alignment deviations. This composite design enables the coupling element to simultaneously provide mechanical strength and flexibility to prevent jamming.
2Measurement precision
If rigid coupling elements are used, then precise torque transmission is achieved, but assembly tolerances cause misalignment and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable section allows the coupling element to dynamically adjust its geometry through elastic deformation, compensating for assembly tolerances and misalignments. This maintains precise torque transmission while accommodating variations in assembly quality without requiring extremely tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the elastically deformable section can adapt its shape during operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to self-adjust to alignment deviations, making assembly easier while maintaining precise torque transmission.
3Reliability
If elastically deformable section is added to coupling element, then alignment compensation is improved, but drive power is absorbed reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable section is designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow it to compensate for alignment deviations while minimizing energy absorption. By optimizing the elasticity parameters, the system achieves reliable alignment compensation with acceptable efficiency losses in the 90-99% range.
Solution Approach 2:
Only a specific section of the coupling element is made elastically deformable rather than the entire component. This localized elasticity provides the necessary alignment compensation while minimizing the volume of material undergoing deformation, thereby reducing overall energy absorption and maintaining high transmission efficiency.
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
This configuration prevents jamming, ensures backlash-free and precise torque transmission, and maintains high efficiency (up to 99%) and low torque variation (up to 10%), even in extreme environments like low-temperature and ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coupling element has an elastically deformable section, and the elastically deformable section has a different material or cross-section than an adjacent section of the coupling element
Implementation Method 2
due to elastic deformation of the elastically deformable section, at least part of the drive power is absorbed during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system as disclosed includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and at least two coupling elements respectively coupled to the input shaft and the output shaft. In order to absorb assembly and manufacturing tolerances with respect to the shafts, the coupling elements and their attachment to the shafts and thereby prevent jamming of the drive system, at least one coupling element has an elastically deformable section, the elastically deformable section having a different material or a different cross-section than an adjacent section of the coupling element.