Shaft Coupling Structure with Engagement Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaft coupling methods require tools, facilities, and space for assembling, increasing production costs and man-hours, especially in fluid pressure apparatuses where a piston is involved.
Innovation Solution
A shaft coupling structure featuring a stopper member with engagement projections that fit into slot grooves on a counterpart member, allowing for manual assembly without tools, with a rotation stop member to secure the connection and reduce backlash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shaft coupling methods (screws, bolts, welding, crimping) are used, then reliable connection is achieved, but production costs and assembling man-hours increase due to requirement of tools and facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure enables self-service assembly where the engagement projections automatically engage with the slot grooves when the shaft member is inserted into the counterpart member, eliminating the need for external tools or facilities. The structure serves its own coupling function through its geometric design alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure is divided into discrete engagement projections on the shaft member and corresponding slot grooves on the counterpart member. This segmentation allows independent formation of coupling features on each component, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable engagement through the projection-slot interface.
2Reliability
If conventional shaft coupling methods are used, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly space requirements increase due to need for tools and workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure performs its own securing function through the geometric interlocking of engagement projections and slot grooves, eliminating the need for external tightening tools, welding equipment, or crimping machinery that would require significant assembly space.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement projections are inserted into the slot grooves in a nested manner, where the projections fit within the groove structures. This nesting approach creates a compact coupling interface that requires minimal assembly space while maintaining secure connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual assembly without tools is enabled, then production costs and man-hours are reduced, but coupling reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slot grooves are designed with curved surfaces that guide the engagement projections during insertion. The curved geometry ensures proper alignment and smooth engagement, maintaining reliability while enabling simple manual assembly without requiring precision tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement projections and slot grooves feature locally optimized geometric qualities including specific surface angles and curvature radii. These local geometric features ensure reliable force transmission and engagement while allowing simple assembly, as each local area is designed for its specific functional requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft coupling structure includes a stopper member attached to a piston rod so as to be relatively rotatable and has a plurality of engagement projections and a plurality of slot grooves. The plurality of engagement projections are inserted into the slot grooves, respectively, and include a plurality of inlet grooves and a plurality of inclined engagement grooves extending in a direction inclined from the circumferential direction. The piston rod and a piston member are coupled together through the stopper member so as to be relatively unmovable in the axial direction.