Shaft Coupling Locking Plate Spring Preload
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft connections with compensating joints lack a defined coaxial center position in the uncoupled state, making automatic coupling processes difficult due to uncompensated axial play and misalignments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a constant velocity joint with an annular locking plate and compression springs, where the first position defines a blocking position preventing axial misalignments and the second position allows for axial misalignments, enabling automatic docking by maintaining the joint in an aligned rest position and allowing angular deflection under force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the constant velocity joint allows axial displacement between inner and outer rings to compensate for misalignments, then adaptability is improved, but axial play increases making automatic coupling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A compression spring is pre-installed between the inner ring and outer ring to apply a preliminary preloading force that acts against axial play. This pre-action ensures that the rings remain in constant contact with a defined coaxial center position, preventing the harmful effect of axial play before it can occur during operation, while still allowing the joint to adapt to misalignments.
2Reliability
If compression springs are added to preload the constant velocity joint, then axial play is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is integrated directly into the constant velocity joint structure, merging the preload function with the existing inner and outer ring components. The spring is positioned within the joint assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate external preload mechanisms and minimizing additional structural complexity while achieving reliable suppression of axial play.
3Reliability
If the joint is fixed in aligned rest position with high preload, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for coupling decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant velocity joint employs a dynamic design where the inner ring can axially displace relative to the outer ring between a first position (aligned rest position with high preload) and a second position (operating position allowing misalignments). This dynamic capability allows the joint to be fixed in the aligned rest position for reliability during operation, while still enabling easy coupling by temporarily allowing axial movement to bring the pointed toothing into engagement.
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 solution ensures reliable suppression of axial play and enables quick, secure, and automatic coupling by maintaining the joint in an aligned state, allowing for high preload forces and preventing unintentional angular movements, thus facilitating efficient and secure docking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (4) that prestresses the two connection parts (14, 15) against one another in the direction of a greater axial extent
Implementation Method 2
A cage (5b) with rolling elements (5c) transmitting torque between the outer ring and the inner ring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The coupling (10) has a casing arranged between an inner ring and an outer ring (5d) and comprising rolling bodies. The rings are movable relative to each other between two positions, where one of the positions is defined by a locking plate (6) for the casing and/or the inner ring. The locking plate is arranged normal to a rotational axis of the outer ring in an area of a front side of the outer ring. The inner ring and/or the casing is pressed against the plate by a pressure spring (4) in the position, and the inner ring and/or the casing is released from the locking plate in other position.