Shaft Coupling Using Offset Holes and Interference Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft coupling apparatuses face inefficiencies in assembly, centering, and coupling due to the need for relative rotation of shafts and complexity in supplying power during manufacturing, often resulting in misalignment and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A shaft coupling apparatus using cylindrically-shaped holes and pins for pressure fitting, where one pin is pressure-fitted into one shaft and loosely fitted into the other, allowing for easy centering and coupling without relative rotation, and utilizing a common bearing for axial support to reduce misalignment and bearing count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw fastening is used to couple shafts, then the shafts can be coupled together, but assembly efficiency deteriorates due to the need for relative rotation of shafts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the shafts to engage screw threads, the invention inverts the approach by using a pin that is inserted directly into pre-formed holes in both shafts. The pin is fitted tightly in one shaft and loosely in the other, eliminating the need for rotational movement during assembly and dramatically improving assembly efficiency while maintaining reliable coupling.
2Reliability
If screw fastening is used to couple shafts, then the shafts can be coupled together, but centering precision deteriorates due to difficulty in aligning both axes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a pin as an intermediary element that mediates the coupling between two shafts. The pin fits into holes formed in both shafts, with tight fitting in one shaft and loose fitting in the other. This intermediary approach simplifies the centering process by providing a straightforward alignment reference, improving manufacturing precision compared to screw fastening methods.
3Reliability
If screw fastening is used to couple shafts, then the shafts can be coupled together, but device complexity increases due to the need for power supply during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power supply requirement from the shaft coupling process. By using a pin insertion method instead of screw fastening, the need to rotate shafts during assembly is eliminated. This removes the requirement for power supply and motor operation during manufacturing, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable shaft coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft coupling apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped hole provided on a leading end surface of a shaft, the hole having a central axis that is different from a rotational central axis of the shaft, and a cylindrically-shaped hole is provided on a leading end surface of a shaft, the hole having a central axis that is different from a rotational central axis of the shaft. The shafts are coupled by pressure fitting a cross-sectionally circular pin in the hole and by loosely fitting the pin in the hole, the pin corresponding to an inner diameter of the hole and the hole.