Shaft Coupling with Perpendicular Guide Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft couplings face challenges in transmitting large power efficiently while maintaining a short axial dimension and low manufacturing costs, particularly when the offset between shafts is significant, and require accurate assembly of complex components.
Innovation Solution
A shaft coupling design featuring axially opposed rotary members with guide grooves and rolling elements that allow for smooth power transmission through perpendicular guide grooves, a retainer to restrict radial movement, and an axial restrictor to maintain alignment, reducing the need for complex direct-acting guides and allowing for easy assembly and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If direct-acting guides are used to transmit large power between shafts, then power transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of power transmission from the complex direct-acting guide mechanism and implements it using simple rolling elements (balls) that roll between guide grooves. This eliminates the need for complex guide members and rail members while maintaining the ability to transmit large power between shafts with offset axes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses guide grooves that are formed by pressing or drawing processes as simplified copies of the direct-acting guide functionality. These grooves replicate the guiding function without requiring separate guide members and rail members, thereby reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Power
If direct-acting guides are used to transmit large power between shafts, then power transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of power transmission from the complex direct-acting guide mechanism and implements it using simple rolling elements (balls) that roll between guide grooves. This eliminates the need for complex guide members and rail members while maintaining the ability to transmit large power between shafts with offset axes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses guide grooves that are formed by pressing or drawing processes as simplified copies of the direct-acting guide functionality. These grooves replicate the guiding function without requiring separate guide members and rail members, thereby reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If constant-velocity joints are used to increase shaft offset, then offset capability is improved, but axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent guides the rolling elements along guide grooves that extend in the axial direction of the rotary members. By utilizing the axial dimension for the guide grooves rather than increasing the radial or lateral dimensions, the coupling can accommodate larger shaft offsets without increasing the overall axial length of the apparatus.
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
The design enables efficient transmission of large power with minimal axial length, reduced manufacturing costs, and simplified assembly, while preventing wear and heat buildup through surface treatments and lubrication, allowing for stable operation and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
rolling elements each disposed between a pair of axially facing guide grooves at a portion where the pair of axially facing guide grooves cross each other so as to roll while being guided by the pair of axially facing guide grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft coupling includes plates fitted on ends of input and output shafts, respectively. A plurality of guide grooves are formed in the opposed surfaces of the plates, respectively, so that each of the grooves extends perpendicular to the corresponding groove formed in the other plate. A steel ball is disposed between each pair of guide grooves of the plates at a portion where the pair of grooves cross each other. When the steel balls are pushed by the driving plate, they push the driven plate while rolling in the guide grooves, with their movements restricted by a retainer in the radial direction of the plates. Thus, large power can be smoothly transmitted between the rotary members with less frictional resistance. The offset amount can be changed easily. Between the plates, there are only the steel balls and the retainer.