Rigid Shaft Coupling With Emergency-Release Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for mechanical shaft parts in vehicle drivetrains require significant time and labor for setup and are not easily releasable in case of errors, such as a fire, where rapid separation is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a displaceable locking mechanism featuring a blocking element that can transition between a blocking and release position, allowing for quick separation while preventing unintentional release during normal operation, and can be remotely controlled electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix connecting shafts, then the connection withstands high loads and has low susceptibility to errors, but the setup requires increased time and labor expenditure and cannot be quickly separated
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into separate components: a first connector section with a mating section for positive locking connection, and a second connector section for connection to another shaft part. This segmentation allows the connection to be quickly assembled and disassembled while maintaining reliability through the positive locking mechanism between the first connector section and mating section.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a locking mechanism with displaceable blocking elements that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions. During normal operation, the blocking elements prevent separation; in emergency situations, the blocking elements can be quickly displaced to allow immediate separation, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and quick separability.
2Reliability
If feather keys or connecting bolts are used for positively locking connection, then torque transmission is achieved, but the connection cannot be quickly released in case of error
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates displaceable blocking elements that dynamically control the engagement between the first connector section and mating section. During normal torque transmission, the blocking elements maintain the locked position for reliable connection. In emergency situations, these blocking elements can be quickly displaced to enable immediate release, thus achieving both reliable torque transmission and rapid release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking elements are extracted as separate, movable components from the static connecting structure. This allows the blocking elements to be independently controlled and displaced when emergency release is needed, while the main positive locking connection between the first connector section and mating section remains intact for reliable torque transmission during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If a ball lock pin is fixedly arranged on the propeller, then releasable connection is achieved, but shaft parts cannot be quickly connected or released from one another
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is segmented into a first connector section with a mating section for positive locking engagement and a second connector section. This segmentation enables the first connector section to quickly connect to and disconnect from the mating section, significantly improving connection speed compared to fixed ball lock pin arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking elements are designed to be displaceable rather than fixed, allowing rapid transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic design enables quick connection and release of shaft parts, improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through the controlled releasability of the locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device for the connection of mechanical shaft parts with a first connector section for connection to a first shaft part, a second connector section for connection to a second shaft part, and a locking mechanism. The first connector section can be connected to a mating section of the first shaft part for the transmission of torque. The locking mechanism, which is functionally independent of the transmission of torque and includes at least one displaceable element, prevents the release of the first connector section from the mating section of the first shaft part. The displaceable element of the locking mechanism can be moved between a release position, in which the first connector section can be released from the mating section, and a blocking position, which prevents release of the mating section from the first connector section. In some aspects, the locking mechanism may include an annular actuating element.